Early Childhood Education

The Early Childhood Education or Balwadi program of Pragat Shikshan Sanstha (PSS) is among its oldest and most cherished initiatives. Over the years, it has evolved from traditional preschool methods to an innovative, research-based program that emphasizes children’s holistic growth and joyful learning.

 

In the early years, PSS teachers were trained at renowned institutions such as CLR, Vanasthali, and Grammangal. Influenced by the Montessori philosophy, the program nurtured children’s independence, self-discipline, and curiosity. A new dimension opened when Dr. Neelima Gokhale introduced the team to Vygotsky’s sociocultural theory, which highlights that all learning is social and shaped by the child’s cultural environment.

 

Since late 2000s, Dr. Gokhale has been continuously guiding PSS in redesigning its early education approach. She helped develop a comprehensive Balwadi program rooted in brain development research and global best practices, adapted to the Indian context.

 

The redesigned classrooms feature learning corners for reading and writing, art and craft, construction, and imaginative play- creating a rich environment that fosters language, cognitive, emotional, and social development. Teachers act as facilitators and co-learners rather than instructors, observing children closely and supporting them when needed. Parents are active partners in this journey, regularly invited to observe classes and participate in discussions about their child’s progress. The curriculum aligns with the state’s foundational learning framework, emphasizing not rote skills but lifelong learning abilities - communication, problem-solving, creativity, and emotional resilience.

Today, PSS runs two Balwadis:

• Apli Shala, serving children from economically disadvantaged communities (free of cost and including a daily nutritious snack).

• Kamala Nimbkar Balbhavan, catering to children from middle-class families, with 25% seats reserved for low-income students.
   

Both schools share resources, teachers rotate between them, and all children receive equal- quality education. Visitors from across India come to see the Balwadi model, which stands as a living example of how thoughtful pedagogy, research-based practice, and compassion can together transform early childhood education.