Challenges in Starting an Activity Center

A child’s brain develops 80% by the time they turn three and 90% by five. Preschools thus provide a window of opportunity for these growing toddlers to build a strong foundation of their educational voyage and expand their socio-emotional state of mind. Preschools or Activity Centers today are not limited to basic academic learning but have rather ignited a deep sense of learning, covering all human life dimensions. A child is prepared well, physically, mentally and emotionally before they venture into the formal learning environment. But, is setting up a preschool that easy? What all goes behind the initiation process, and how is it achieved? Let us have a look.

There are many factors considered and critically analyzed before and after setting up a preschool. A lot goes into its making, from designing a proper layout, hiring the finest instructors, providing a safe and non-competitive climate, catering to all the needs of the children and parents. Parents here play a crucial role in any preschool’s success as they are the decision-makers of the child. This simultaneously creates a lot of pressure and responsibility on such institutes to lay the elementary setup well. Many of them start well but are not able to manage the activity centres in the long run. What is the common mistake, and how to rectify it?   

In a recent interview with Ms. Shwetha Polina, owner of Little Caterpillar, an independent preschool in Manikonda, Hyderabad, the people’s major hardships in setting up a successful activity centre were deliberated. Her preschool aims to develop the kids through various recreational activities, including sports and games, dance, karate, art, and crafts. During summers, they also organize pottery sessions due to kids’ abundant interest in clay and its modelling.

There are innumerable obstacles in the way but having proper planning and keeping patience does it all. Let us look through our speaker’s lens, who herself confronted a lot of challenges to meet the need.

Employing trainers:

It is one of the most crucial steps of the whole process, as it reflects the institute’s intention and dedication. A good instructor radiates positive vibes. If the person guiding the toddlers is not enthusiastic and vigilant in himself, how will he lead them? Often, instructors are non-punctual and sometimes don’t even show up. In such scenarios, it forms a terrible impression and leads to the disinterest of parents.

      However, hiring tutors during the pandemic era and giving them a reasonable salary also became a burden. It seemed rather difficult to hire them on a salary basis as the schools were completely called off during the pandemic.

Time-table and schedule:

A proper schedule helps in saving time. One should always focus on constructing an effective timetable that maximizes the desired amount of time.

      Schools have their restrictions when it comes to kids. Since they are younger, they cannot be made to attend schools for too long. It should be ensured that a balance between academics and play is well maintained and accordingly followed. Therefore, a proper framework of time plays a key role in attracting kids.

Incorporating new and proactive activities:

A child’s psychology comes into play here. Each child has their own set of hobbies and interests; thus, efforts should involve a child in such preschool activities that kindles their drive towards exploring and discovering facts. Activities foster creativity, curiosity and competence in toddlers and help them explore new strategies and techniques of fair play.

Quality of education:

Preschool education studies have shown that children taught at an early age usually have improved social skills, fewer behavioural problems, and better grades without special and attention. Self-confidence gained by learning playfully adds to the personality development of the child. This is the kind of quality education that parents look for in preschools while sending their kids.

Written by Ishita