Are you thinking of starting your own preschool business in Noida or Greater Noida? With careful preparation, ideal premises and a suitable business plan, opening your own preschool can be an enriching experience.
But what options do you have as a first-time business owner? You need to think about the location, the initial investment, classroom preparations and the admission process, among other things.
Choosing the right place for your child to learn at an early age is very important. This will help your child to start developing their communication skills while learning more about their world, interacting with people and laying the foundations for future learning.
But you may still have questions about kindergarten in India. What is kindergarten? At what age should a child go to kindergarten? Is kindergarten the same as preschool? What do children learn?
This can help you to make an informed decision.
We’ll talk you through everything you need to know about what kindergarten means in India, what the typical age groups are, what classes there are, what the curriculum is like and how preschool differs.
What is kindergarten in India?
Kindergarten is an early stage of learning which helps children develop the basic skills they need to learn further. It is commonly used to refer to the years before primary school however the meaning can vary depending on the country and school.
In India, many schools will use the term kindergarten when referring to early learning. This can include Lower Kindergarten (LKG) and Upper Kindergarten (UKG). Some schools will use the term kindergarten to refer to all pre-primary learning.
In general, kindergarten will involve learning through play, activities, stories, talking, creativity and age-appropriate learning.
A good kindergarten environment will provide children with the opportunity to develop their:
- Communication skills
- Basic maths skills
- Social skills
- Coordination
- Creativity and problem solving
- Independence
To help build their confidence as learners.
What is the right age for kindergarten in India?
This will depend on the classes offered, admissions policy and any age requirements.
Many schools in India will offer Playgroup, Nursery, LKG and UKG. Below is a table showing the typical age groups.
Preschool Classes and Age Groups
| Class / Stage | Age Range | Learning Focus |
|---|---|---|
| Playgroup | 2–3 years | Exploration, play and social interaction. |
| Nursery | 3–4 years | Communication, creativity, coordination and basic concepts. |
| LKG | 4–5 years | Basic literacy and numeracy skills. |
| UKG | 5–6 years | Foundational skills and preparation for Grade 1. |
This is just an indication, and the names of classes may vary from school to school.
The National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 in India states that the Foundational Stage is 5 years of learning (ages 3-8). This includes 3 years of preschool learning and Grades 1 & 2. The Ministry of Education have also instructed that all States and Territories should ensure that children are admitted to Grade 1 at the age of 6. You should check the admissions policy and what is offered at your chosen school.
What Kindergarten Classes are Offered in India?
Kindergarten classes will vary depending on the school; however, many will use the following:
Nursery
This will help children to get used to a more structured early learning environment.
Activities will involve colors, shapes, stories, rhymes, picture recognition, simple communication, movement, and creative play.
Children shouldn’t be expected to do much at this stage. Focus should be placed on exploring, communication, socialising and building their confidence.
Lower Kindergarten (LKG)
LKG will typically follow on from what children have learned in Nursery.
They will learn basic letter recognition, sounds, numbers, counting, patterns, shapes and early writing. They will also practice listening, following simple instructions, sharing resources and group activities.
This will help children to develop basic concepts.
Upper Kindergarten (UKG)
UKG will typically help to develop the skills children need for Grade 1.
Depending on the curriculum, they will learn early reading, writing readiness, number recognition, problem solving, storytelling, comprehension, and independent tasks in the classroom.
Activities should continue to develop creativity, coordination and social emotional learning.
Kindergarten vs Preschool: What’s the Difference?
Many parents search for the difference between preschool and kindergarten when choosing an early learning programme for their child. In India, these terms are sometimes used interchangeably, although their meanings can vary between schools.
The main difference is that preschool is a broad term for early childhood education before primary school, while kindergarten often refers to a specific pre-primary stage or programme.
1. Enquire About a Preschool Franchise
Contact Foster Kids and let them know the area where you would like to open a preschool. Share your general requirements and budget so that the team can prepare an individual franchise plan for you.
2. Get to Know More About the Preschool Franchising System
Get to know the details of the franchising system. Ask questions about the franchising fee, additional payments, the package of documents and the responsibilities of the parties. Clarify all the details regarding the payment system.
Preschool vs Kindergarten: Key Differences
Preschool vs Kindergarten: Key Differences
| Basis | Preschool | Kindergarten |
|---|---|---|
| Meaning | A general term for early childhood education. | A pre-primary programme or stage. |
| Age Group | Commonly 3–6 years. | Depends on the school’s class structure. |
| Classes | May include Nursery and other pre-primary classes. | Often associated with LKG and UKG. |
| Learning Style | Play-based, activity-based and exploratory learning. | Play-based learning with increasing focus on foundational concepts. |
| Purpose | Supports overall development and early learning. | Builds foundational skills and prepares children for primary school. |
What do children learn in Kindergarten?
A good kindergarten curriculum will help children to develop as a whole.
As children learn at different paces activities should be used to help them to be curious and involved.
Language
Children will develop their language skills through talking, storytelling, rhymes, picture books, singing and listening activities.
This will help them to communicate their ideas, understand instructions, develop their vocabulary and feel more confident communicating.
Early Literacy
Children will learn through activities such as letter recognition, sounds, words, stories and understanding the link between spoken and written language.
Focus should be placed on developing an interest in learning.
Early Numeracy
Children will start to understand numbers, counting, shapes, patterns and comparison. Hands-on activities can help them to understand these concepts.
Social Emotional
Children will learn to share, take turns, express their feelings and build relationships through group games, routines and group activities.
This can help them to build their confidence, patience, teamwork and independence.
Coordination
Children will develop their coordination through movement, playing outside, drawing, painting, cutting and manipulating learning resources.
Physical activities can also help them to explore.
Creativity & Problem Solving
Children will learn to explore ideas through art, music, imaginative play, building and puzzles.
This will help them to be curious, think creatively and feel confident when experimenting.
Kindergarten Curriculum in India
The Kindergarten curriculum will vary depending on the school, education provider and curriculum.
The National Curriculum Framework for the Foundational Stage in India focuses on providing children with learning opportunities to develop their coordination, cognitive development, social emotional development, communication, early language, literacy and numeracy.
A good Kindergarten programme may include:
- Language & Storytelling
- Numbers, counting & maths
- Colours, Shapes & Patterns
- Art & Craft
- Music & Movement
- Environmental Awareness
- Social Skills, Teamwork & Independence
Balance should be maintained based on the age of the children.
Why Play Based Learning is Important
Play is very important in early years learning as children can explore concepts.
Building with blocks can help them understand shapes, size, balance and counting. Storytelling can help with vocabulary, listening and imagination. Group games can help them to communicate, work in a team and follow instructions.
This makes learning interactive and allows teachers to see how well children understand concepts, cope with challenges and interact.
How to Choose the Right Kindergarten for Your Child
Kindergarten isn’t just about the name of the school. You should think about what your child needs and what the learning environment is like.
Things to consider:
Learning Style
Ask how the teachers deliver language, numbers, storytelling, creative activities and real life concepts. A good balance should be provided to keep children curious and involved without putting too much pressure on them.
Curriculum
Ask what children will learn at each stage and how activities will change.
The school should be able to clearly explain how they teach.
Classroom
Look for clean, organised and age appropriate classrooms. Ensure there are plenty of learning resources and opportunities for play, movement and interaction.
Teacher Qualifications
When teaching young children teachers should have knowledge of child development, classroom management and age appropriate teaching techniques.
Ask about training, supervision and how they cater to individual learning needs.
Health & Safety
Ensure there are clear processes in place for entering and leaving the school, good hygiene, supervision, emergency situations etc.
Communication with Parents
Regular communication can help parents understand what their child is getting up to. Choose a school that will encourage questions and provide clear information.
How Foster Kids Helps with Early Years Learning
Foster Kids specialise in providing preschool education.
It’s important to know how a preschool will provide activities, plan their curriculum and help children to develop as a whole.
You can ask your preferred centre about the programmes on offer, age requirements, curriculum, teaching style, facilities and admissions.
You should ask the school directly what classes are on offer and what the admissions are.
Visit the Foster Kids website to learn more.
FAQs
What is kindergarten in India?
Kindergarten generally refers to early years learning before primary school. In India it is often used to refer to LKG & UKG. Some schools will use it more generally.
What is the right age for Kindergarten in India?
Is Kindergarten the same as Preschool?
What Kindergarten classes are offered in India?
Many schools will have Nursery, LKG & UKG as part of their pre-primary structure. However this will vary.
What do children learn in Kindergarten?
Children will develop their language skills, early literacy, numeracy, social skills, coordination, creativity & problem solving through play, activities, storytelling and interaction.
Is Kindergarten compulsory in India?
DWhat is the difference between Nursery & Kindergarten?
How do I choose the best Kindergarten for my child?
Conclusion
Kindergarten plays an important role in early learning in India. It helps to develop the basic skills, confidence, curiosity and social skills needed to move onto the next stage of education.
Understanding the age requirements, classes, curriculum and difference between preschool and kindergarten can help you to choose the right learning environment for your child.
Look for a school that will help children develop their language, numeracy, creativity, coordination and positive social interaction through age-appropriate learning.
If you’re looking into preschool education for your child you can find out more about the programmes, teaching style and admissions at your preferred Foster Kids centre.
Find out more about early years education with Foster Kids.