The significance of education today is paramount, and India is actively strengthening its education system at various levels, starting with early childhood education. The statistics highlight this trend as the Indian preschool market, valued at $4.2 billion in 2023, is projected to rise to $10.2 billion by 2032, according to the Indian Preschool/Childcare market report. This growth reflects a growing recognition of early childhood education as the foundation for lifelong learning by parents, emphasizing holistic development rather than rote memorization. Additionally, this shift supports the increasing demand for dedicated early educators and preschools. Mamas Dela is one of the top preschool and daycare centers in Bangalore, committed to providing children with a safe, nurturing, and stimulating environment for learning.

Established in 2017, Mamas Dela, which means ‘the baby of a butterfly’ in Portuguese, reflects this concept in its logo. With the tagline ‘We connect with children’, the school aims to establish itself as a preschool brand that truly fosters connections with its students. This sincere initiative is led by Swathi Lakshmi SR, the Head of School, who is also a child psychologist and human developmentalist. Swati has been passionate about working with children from a young age and believes it is essential to provide a flexible learning environment where children genuinely enjoy attending school.

The Unique Approach Across Child Education
At Mamas Dela, the school incorporates both the kindergarten and Montessori approaches in its curriculum. What sets Mamas Dela apart from other schools is its flexible approach. It does not adhere to a rigid curriculum dictated by a franchise but tailors its methods to meet the unique needs of each child. The school does not impose these learning methods on children, instead it fosters learning by adapting to each child’s

pace. Swathi Lakshmi SR, Head of School, Mamas Dela states, “Early childhood education, covering ages 2 to 6, is essential. Just as plants thrive with nurturing, children flourish with proper education. My goal is to prepare them for mainstream school by supporting their emotional, social, interpersonal, and intrapersonal development, ensuring they are equipped to face new challenges”.

The school provides a playgroup, nursery, LKG, UKG, and daycare services (Monday-Saturday) to support working parents. Unlike other schools, Mamas Dela customizes its curriculum to meet each child’s needs. Its Individual Support Program (ISP) features a 10:1 student teacher ratio, allowing the school to give personalized attention and ensure every child leaves with confidence and understanding for the day. At Mamas Dela, discipline is believed to begin with foundational principles, and modeling appropriate behavior is an effective way to enhance learning through observation.

Mamas Dela’s goal is to prepare children for mainstream school by supporting their emotional, social, interpersonal, and intrapersonal development, ensuring they are equipped to face new challenges ahead

Each day commences with the national anthem, followed by yoga and cognitive exercises. The school features a program known as TGIF, which stands for ‘Thank God It’s Friday’, where students engage in diverse activities, including sports, music, drama, storytelling, and arts and crafts. During the summer, a camp is offered that includes activities such as printing, painting, crafts, physical games, and STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) projects.

Mamas Dela hosts various events throughout the academic year, such as Sports Day, Annual Day, and Women’s Day, alongside celebrations for Father’s Day and Mother’s Day, promoting active parental involvement.

The institution has two branches in Pai Layout and Munnekollal, Marathahalli. Facilities include dedicated classrooms, an audio-visual room, indoor and outdoor play areas, and a dance area, effectively accommodating student needs. Also, to ensure the safety and well-being of children, Mamas Dela implements comprehensive measures, such as CCTV monitoring and maintaining a supervision ratio of two adults for every ten children. In teacher recruitment, candidates must possess a degree or a Nursery Teacher Training (NTT) certification, exhibit patience, and demonstrate strong communication skills. All educators and support staff must exhibit a genuine love for children and a commitment to their care and development.

Growth & Future Roadmap
The school has made sincere efforts in early childhood education, which has led to significant recognitions. In 2022, it was named one of the top 100 preschools in India by Brainfeed magazine, and in 2023, it was recognized as one of the top 10 schools in India by Hindustan Times. Continuing on this successful path and aiming to strengthen the education system in India, Mamas Dela aspires to expand its offerings to include primary school education in the coming years.