Kai CIRCLE (Centre for Innovation, Research, Collaboration, Leadership, and Empowerment) and Kai Early Years, Whitefield, have launched the “Transforming the Early Years – Celebrating Foundation Educators” movement, placing early childhood education at the forefront of India’s education agenda.

Led by co-founder and director of Learning & Development, Jennifer Sait, the conference underscored the need for systemic recognition and empowerment of early years educators. Delivering the keynote, Dr Swati Popat Vats, president of the Early Childhood Association of India, called for urgent action, stressing that “the early years are not preparatory – they are foundational. Those who teach during this critical period must be recognised as brain-builders.”

The gathering brought together educators, parents, school leaders, and innovators from across southern India and leading international schools including Legacy, Canadian, Treamis, Ebenezer, BIS, and Chaman. Sessions highlighted child-centred learning, educator well-being, professional development, and alignment with global early childhood care and education standards.

Workshops led by experts from India and Singapore drew on Montessori, Cambridge International and International Baccalaureate frameworks, offering practical strategies for inclusive and innovative classrooms. An exhibition showcasing resources to enhance classroom engagement and support teacher well-being added to the day’s impact.

Speaking at the event, Sait affirmed: “If we are to build a nation of empathetic, emotionally resilient, and intellectually curious individuals, we must start by respecting and empowering the educators who shape these foundational years.”

The movement sets a new benchmark for early childhood education in India, celebrating foundation educators as nation-builders and reinforcing their pivotal role in shaping future generations.

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