Preschools play a pivotal role in laying the foundation for a child's holistic development, and their significance in India cannot be overstated. In a country like India, where rapid urbanization and changing family structures are prevalent, preschools serve as vital platforms to bridge the gap between home and formal schooling. A good leader in early education can contribute significantly by fostering innovative teaching methods, creating a stimulating learning environment, nurturing talented educators, and aligning the curriculum with modern educational standards. Soumya Gulati, the Co- Founder of Beansprouts Pre-School, epitomizes the essence of a transformative leader in early childhood education. Her dedication to providing a holistic learning experience, empowering teachers, and engaging parents in their child's educational journey has been instrumental in Beansprouts' success. Let’s hear more from her in this one-on-one interaction.

Could you shed some light on your educational background and previous industry involvement in the early learning sector that you bring to your current role?

With over three decades of expertise in this domain, I have actively engaged with diverse platforms to share insights. With a Master's degree in English Literature from Delhi University, along with a postgraduate diploma in Journalism, a diploma in Japanese language, and a Certificate in Pedagogy of Play accredited by Fairy dust Teaching. Additionally, I am a certified trainer in Coding in Early Years and in Hybrid and Blended Learning. Presently, serving as the Co-Founder of Beansprouts Pre- School located in Gurugram, I’ve also contributed to several publications in the English Language.

My passion for early childhood education isn't newfound; I've been deeply involved in the management of Blue Bells Preparatory School since 2003. This institution specializes in nurturing early years learners and has established a distinguished legacy over several decades. Blue Bells Preparatory School is renowned for its dedication to fostering young minds and facilitating the realization of their innate potential, solidifying its esteemed reputation in the realm of early education.

Could you elaborate on your areas of expertise as an educator?

My journey has been passionately interwoven with 'Dramatics and Theatre,' fostering a deep affection for the stage. I firmly advocate for integrating story-based pedagogy and role plays as instrumental tools for young learners' education. Understanding the significance of clear, transparent, and empathetic communication, I prioritize establishing meaningful connections with all stakeholders—students, parents, and educators—who tirelessly nurture our young learners day in and day out.

Throughout my extensive tenure as an educator and fueled by my fervent interest in curriculum development, I conceptualized 'The Learning Space.' My aim is to ensure that Beansprouts remains dynamically aligned with contemporary educational paradigms through exhaustive research. I am committed to enriching our curriculum and elevating the quality of teaching and learning by – Designing curriculum interventions that assimilate the finest global practices while tailoring them to suit the specific needs of our learners and Empowering educators by continually enhancing their professional competencies, thereby ensuring their ongoing growth and development.

Introduce us to Beansprouts Play School. What is the idea behind establishing the institution and its key areas of specialization?

Beansprouts, located in Gurugram, is a contemporary play school that adheres to the philosophy of 'Learn to Love, and Love to Learn.' Our core focus lies in fostering confidence within a nurturing and secure environment for young children, allowing them to explore the world with wonder and curiosity. Drawing inspiration from the Reggio Emilia approach and integrating the best global practices, our school offers a holistic 360-degree curriculum centered around the child's involvement in relationship-oriented settings. Embracing the uniqueness of each child, our aim is to nurture them towards their fullest potential, preparing them to become valuable contributors to society in the future.

Tell me the most difficult aspects of being a leader in early education sector. What steps you do you undertake to overcome these road blocks?

As a leader in early education, I deeply value the pivotal role played by a child's initial years in their development. Leading in this sector poses unique challenges demanding a blend of elusive qualities, empathetic skills, and a profound grasp of its dynamics. Addressing these challenges involves continual engagement with evidence-based practices and current policies to understand child development comprehensively. Crafting the Curriculum and Pedagogy for Early Childhood Education presented a significant challenge. Extensive research involved meetings with educationists globally, visits to Early Years Schools in various countries, and studying renowned philosophies.

Collaborating with my Learning and Development team, we crafted an innovative, sustainable, child-centric pedagogy. Parents often expect immediate excellence from their children. To align their expectations with our child-centric curriculum promoting self-paced learning, we organize regular workshops and a 'Back to School' series for them to experience their child's school day. In the realm of Early Education, motivating educators, often 'teachers by chance,' is crucial. Regular workshops, weekly training sessions, and explicit discussions on lesson plans ensure smooth classroom transactions and effective curriculum execution, contributing to the holistic development of young learners.

What has been your success mantra or guiding leadership philosophy as a business leader?

My leadership philosophy is guided by an unconventional approach to success. Early years education has always been my driving force, leading to the creation of ‘Beansprouts'an envisioned haven for young learners. Foreseeing trends and needs, our Early Years curriculum was designed well in advance, aligning seamlessly with the later announced NEP 2020 changes.

Detail-oriented planning is a cornerstone of our operations; meticulous lesson plans and event strategies reflect our commitment to excellence. Kindness and empathy are values I both advocate and embody, fostering a positive work culture by actively listening and caring for my team, educators, parents, and staff.

Teamwork is paramount; I engage actively alongside my team, emphasizing collaboration and mutual motivation. Recognizing individual strengths, we allocate tasks strategically for optimal outcomes. My adaptability, resilience, and dedication to children's welfare have driven me to achieve milestones, but my relentless desire to contribute to education remains my guiding force. The mantra of hard work, societal contribution, and unwavering dedication continues to propel me forward, shaping my success journey, and inspiring me to reach new heights in the field of education.

Soumya Gulati, Co-Founder, Beansprouts

Soumya possess a Master's degree in English Literature from Delhi University, a postgraduate diploma in Journalism, a diploma in Japanese language, and a Certificate in Pedagogy of Play by Fairydust Teaching. Additionally, she hold certifications in Coding in Early Years and in Hybrid and Blended Learning.