India’s early childhood education landscape is undergoing a quiet revolution. Once defined by rote learning and rigid milestones, it is now embracing inclusivity, neurodiversity, and child-led development. As awareness grows about the importance of early intervention, play-based pedagogy, and holistic development, a new generation of preschools is emerging, ones that recognize that no two children grow the same way, and that’s not just acceptable, it’s beautiful. It’s within this evolving landscape that Bitsy Buds Pre School has taken root in the culturally vibrant city of Chennai.

Bitsy Buds Pre School has established itself as a beacon of inclusive early childhood education, transforming how young children learn, play, and grow. Operating under KANAV Special Needs Services Pvt. Ltd., the preschool blends a thoughtfully crafted curriculum with therapeutic support to create an environment where every child regardless of ability can thrive. “Every child brings a different kind of flower into the garden of life”, says Karthik M.K, Founder & Director, Bitsy Buds Pre School.

The story of Bitsy Buds Pre School is one of passion and purpose. Founded by Karthik M.K, who holds a Master’s degree in Inclusive Education from the UK, and Navitha Ulaghanathan, a highly qualified and experienced speech-language pathologist, the preschool began as a response to the limited access and understanding of inclusive education in traditional preschool systems. Their vision was further elevated by M. Prakalathan Kelaver, a seasoned educator from Singapore, who brought global best practices into the school’s ethos. Together they envisioned a model where learning doesn’t exclude, it embraces. One that values progress over perfection and growth over grades. Their belief is simple yet profound, ‘Inclusion isn’t a strategy to help people fit into the system, it’s a belief that the system should adapt to meet every individual’.

Learning That Reflects Life

Bitsy Buds Pre School’ curriculum is grounded in Howard Gardner’s Theory of Multiple Intelligences, rejecting the idea of a one-size-fits-all definition of intelligence. Through music, movement, art, nature walks, and peer engagement, children uncover and enhance their strengths whether they’re logical thinkers, soulful singers, silent observers, or fearless climbers. Each classroom follows a carefully tiered plan aligned with developmental milestones. Teachers track and adjust learning paths through personalized checklists, providing individualized support to every child. For children with additional needs, Individualized Education Plans (IEPs) are co-created with therapists and parents, featuring clearly defined, measurable goals.

Therapeutic services are not outsourced or segregated, they're woven right into the child's daily life. Speech, occupational, and behavioral therapists collaborate with teachers, incorporating their treatments into daily activities whether it's grasping a crayon, navigating peer inter action, or communicating needs. This naturalized approach ensures dignity, consistency, and effectiveness. Exploration is the heartbeat of the classroom. STEAM zones, sensory corners, pretend play setups, and cultural immersion activities turn the school into a place of wonder. Monthly themes and event-based learning stimulate curiosity without pressuring performance. In every moment, children are encouraged to ask, try, stumble, and try again.

“At Bitsy Buds Pre School, learning is not confined to books or classrooms. It's in a child’s smile when they conquer a new skill, in a parent’s proud applause at Sports Day, and in the quiet victories of inclusion every day. We believe in empowering every child, and in walking that journey hand-in-hand with every parent”, says Karthik M.K & Navitha Ulaghanathan.

At Bitsy Buds Pre School, they don’t just teach children, they understand them, ensuring every child is seen, heard, and supported as they grow at their own unique pace

A School that Feels like Family

What truly differentiates Bitsy Buds Pre School is its relationship with parents. The school views them not as clients but co-creators in their child’s journey. Communication is consistent and meaningful from progress journals and personalized reports to interactive workshops on language development, emotional regulation, and digital boundaries. Events are more than functions, they are shared celebrations. On Sports Day, the joy is in movement, not medals. Children and parents bond over games that foster physical coordination and participation. Annual Day becomes a canvas for every child to shine be it through a song, dance, skit, or smile. Each child gets a stage, and every performance is adapted to individual needs. These days are often emotional milestones, where growth is not just seen but felt.




Initiatives like ‘Parent as Guest Reader’, ‘Dad’s Gardening Hour’, and ‘Mommy & Me Art Day’ make the school a living, breathing extension of the home. A dedicated parent coordinator ensures real-time communi -cation, and a mobile app (soon to launch) will enhance day-to-day updates and feedback loops.

Future Vision

Bitsy Buds Pre School began modestly with just 25 students in a rented villa. Today, it has blossomed into a vibrant learning hub for 80 children across four age groups. Its journey hasn’t been without challenges. Staffing, retention, and autism-specific training have demanded consistent effort and resilience. But the leadership team has met these with investments in professional development, mentorship, and team wellness. Now, the school is ready to scale its impact. Plans are underway for a nationwide franchising model rooted in rigorous quality standards. A proprietary, research-aligned curriculum framework is in development, one that could become a national benchmark for inclusive early education.

Additionally, partnerships with universities and NGOs are also in motion, aiming to build an ecosystem of evidence-based practices. The school is also set to launch a digital learning extension to support home-based education and early intervention ensuring that access to quality, inclusive education extends far beyond the classroom walls.