According to official sources on July 25, Mumbai based Helen O’Grady International, the only organisation of its kind in the world offering personal development programmes for children across 40 countries, has recently launched its revolutionary preschool - the Helen O’Grady International Preschool in Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu. Having closely associated with kindergarten children on developing life skills through its several communication and teacher training programmes and inspired by Reggio Emilia philosophy, the preschool has been launched with an aim to revolutionise the early child care space in India with its out-of-the-box curricula. Parents looking for quality education for their children will be encouraged to enrol their children here as the organisation will spread its wings across India, in metros, tier I and tier II cities.

Today’s parents are well informed about quality early childhood education and want to provide the best to their children. This, along with rising number of dual income households, growing nuclear families and busy lifestyles are key drivers for growth in preschool/childcare market. According to TechSci Research report, the preschool/childcare market in India is forecast to grow at a CAGR of around 23 percent during 2017-2022.

Speaking at the launch of the first school in Coimbatore, Arpita Mittal, co-founder and CEO, Helen O’Grady International Preschool said, “After running Helen O’Grady International EduDrama Academy in India, implementing the programme across 20 cities here, it was a natural decision to start this preschool.  Early years for every child are of critical significance for rapid mental and physical growth.  Hence early intervention in a stimulating environment through early childhood programs has a positive impact.  We, at Helen O’Grady International Preschool know how crucial quality of intervention is and our curriculum is structured accordingly.”  She further added, “This includes our well-qualified and trained teachers which is indicative of better outcomes for children at our preschool.”

Arpita is also the CEO of Helen O’Grady International EduDrama Academy, India, headquartered in Mumbai.  She has multiple years of teaching experience in various colleges in Mumbai, language supervision in Swedish and Canadian Embassies, besides working with Walt Disney in India.

Completely compliant with NCERT guidelines, the preschool is committed to building a view of the world as one, integrating international thought with native ethos, thereby nurturing leaders of the future that respect all communities, cultures, celebrate diversity and collaborate with one other.  Helen O’Grady International preschool has a well-researched, dynamic and evolving curriculum that integrates all children into the joy of learning and discovery through fun and science.

Offerings of Helen O’Grady International Preschool include:

Baby Club from the age group of 1.2 years onwards, which is a Mom and Toddler class, where the focus is on sensory-motor integration, storytelling, puppetry, music and movement.

Play School for children between the age group of 1.8 to 2.5 years of age.  This programme is committed to ensure age-appropriate experiences like sensory-motor integration, physical, creative and emotional development in addition to building social and cognitive skills.

Pre-school curriculum (2.5 to 4 years) also includes music, art and drama to enhance learning, cultivating the power of imagination and creativity and encourages children to interact freely.

Lower Kindergarten (3.5 to 4.5 years) Sensory motor integration, Kindy drama, music, art and sports are what keep these children occupied through these wonderful years at the Helen O’Grady International Preschool.

Upper Kindergarten (4.5 to 5.5 years) The little school leaders of Upper Kindergarten are given responsibilities. They conduct the prayer assembly, check on hygiene and cleanliness, they learn to do chores which helps them contribute to duties at home. Their learning goes beyond the classroom.

Other activities at the Helen O’Grady International Preschool include Music and Movement, Reading Club, Yoga and Kindy Drama.

Besides the preschool, under the umbrella of Helen O’ Grady International, several other educational products have been launched across the country, some of the main ones being ECCE teacher training course, teacher enrichment courses, corporate programmes, Youth theatre programmes and commercial theatre shows.