Education is a crucial tool that holds the power to dictate the future of any nation on this planet. Quality education imparted through a holistic approach leads to the development of a learned generation that leads a nation to a prosperous future. With this thought as a cornerstone of her perspective, Surabhi Mittal, Managing Director of SIS PREP is setting the stage for nurturing a smart generation of future leaders and innovators. Despite coming from a family deeply engrossed in industrial businesses, Surabhi’s passion to lead a school of her own naturally led her to establishing the SIS PREP. Owned by the renowned Balaji Group, SIS PREP is one of the many educational institutions governed by this group, and the dream project of Surabhi Mittal.

"Coming from a joint family, to adopting the modern nuclear family structure, I see the differences in upbringing that we had versus what children today have. Today, parents are increasingly worried about their child, wishing to protect them from everything. While protecting your child is important, it is also essential for parents to understand that children need to be given some space to learn, fall, get back up, and grow. Learning unconsciously through experiences and interactions are a vital component to child development. This is what we try to encourage parents to do in our school. It is essential to motivate children to explore. I apply this approach in my home as well, encouraging my children to explore, while motivating them to get back up if and when they fall down. This is in my perspective how children develop a natural sense of identifying right from wrong, and choosing their paths", speaks Surabhi Mittal, Managing Director of SIS PREP.

Inspired to ensure high quality education to her young daughters, Surabhi took on the initiative to establish the school, supervising every aspect from building to designing curriculum, integrating holistic teaching approaches, including a variety of activities, as well as deciding to adopt the Reggio Emilia teaching Pedagogy. We learn more about her motivations and vision through an interactive discussion with her. Following are some highlights.

What led you to establish SIS PREP? Tell us about the underlying idea behind the venture and its key areas of expertise.

The journey into establishing a preschool began with a keen interest from my family. When my daughter was just five months old, the idea took root. After thorough research and visiting existing schools, I could envision the concept. This school aimed to be a 'home away from home' for young learners aged between 10 months and four years. This age group is sensitive, and the goal was to foster youthful learning without undue pressure.

Inspired by the Reggio Emilia pedagogy, the focus is on a child-led approach, with the environment as the 'third teacher.' Each child's unique interests are pivotal for us. Even non-verbal cues indicate preferences. The school was designed around learning areas like music rooms, STEM rooms, libraries, Ateliers, and Lego rooms. The objective is to allow children to explore different topics and interests throughout the day. We carefully structure groups based on diverse interests, and the curriculum is tailored accordingly. Specialists and teachers are dedicated to nurturing these varied interests and topics. I saw this as a missing element in traditional education and a vital aspect to introduce to the children. Thus, this educational venture began, driven by the passion to create an enriching and enjoyable learning environment for young minds.

Throw some light on the various responsibilities you shoulder as the Director at SIS PREP, what are your key focus areas in terms of driving growth for the educational institution?

In my role as the leader of this school, I see it as my very first baby, before I had my own child. I was involved in every aspect, from its inception to its physical establishment, interiors, and aligning with educational norms. I'm present at the school for four days a week, roaming around, engaging with parents, and being transparent about the school's operations. I emphasize the importance of collaborative growth, akin to a close-knit family. Our curriculum aligns with an IB approach, valuing input from all team members.

We constantly engage in mutual learning, allowing the organization to evolve based on our shared vision and mission.

In your opinion what are some of the most critical challenges you encounter as an educator? What steps do you undertake to overcome these roadblocks?

Running a preschool comes with its unique set of challenges, particularly in the face of evolving government policies and competition from larger schools. The trend of big schools opening feeder schools has made admissions a stressful process for parents, as they feel compelled to secure a spot in a prominent institution early on. While government efforts aim to address this issue, there's still room for improvement in ensuring that children enter standard one at the age of six and being rushed into formal education. Another pressing concern is the retention of teachers, which has become a significant issue in metropolitan areas. Teaching is a noble profession, and educators play a vital role in shaping young minds. However, the challenges and changing dynamics in the education sector are affecting the motivation and satisfaction levels of teachers, which is a concern for all preschools and schools alike.

How has SIS PREP’s growth journey been over the past six years? What are some key milestones the institution has achieved so far?

In the first year of SIS PREP, we achieved our highest admission goals, focusing on providing quality learning rather than sheer numbers. The school is designed to international standards, especially for preschoolers, ensuring a conducive learning environment. Despite the initial success, COVID-19 presented a significant challenge as we had just begun. However, our resilience, mission-driven approach, and the dedication of our team helped us rebound. Post-COVID, we've gained recognition, and enrollment is growing steadily. We're currently in a good position and plan to surpass our pre-COVID achievements soon. Weathering the challenges of the pandemic and retaining our dedicated teachers have been key milestones for us.

What has been your success mantra or guiding leadership philosophy as a leader in early education?

I am in the early stages of my journey, so guiding others would be premature. However, I firmly believe in working diligently and with unwavering honesty. This approach applies to any endeavor one pursues, especially when it involves the lives of young children, as in preschool education. It's crucial not to take things diligently, even though it's a preschool, because there are precious young lives entrusted to our care. For aspiring women looking to grow, I draw inspiration from remarkable female leaders like Sudha Murthy. Having a role model can be a powerful motivator. Sudha Murthy's wisdom and accomplishments have been a source of inspiration for me. Enjoying what you do and following those who inspire you is essential. They become anchors during challenging times. It's been my personal experience that having such anchors’ teachings and insights, can provide guidance and inspiration, even when the path ahead seems daunting.

Surabhi Mittal, Managing Director, Sis Prep Preschool

Surabhi Mittal, a native of Raipur, Chhattisgarh, received her education at Raj Kumar College (RKC) and completed her graduation from MATS University. With a strong passion for learning, Surabhi embarked on her journey in the field of education.

After her marriage in Delhi, Surabhi envisioned and successfully executed the establishment of a child-centric preschool. Combining her passion for education and her role as a dedicated parent to two daughters, Surabhi has not only created a nurturing learning environment but has also excelled as a homemaker.

Surabhi's commitment to providing quality education and her dedication to her family highlight her leadership in the realm of early education. Her story stands as a testament to her vision and determination, making her a respected figure in the field.