Preschool marks the beginning of a child’s educational journey, and selecting the right curriculum is crucial as per the guidelines of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 and the National Curriculum Framework (NCF) 2024. These frameworks emphasize play-based, activity-driven learning that fosters holistic development. It’s essential for preschools in India to align their curriculum with these national standards to ensure compliance and future readiness.
So, what truly makes a preschool curriculum great?
Here are 7 key elements that define an excellent preschool curriculum:
- Alignment with NEP 2020 & NCF 2024
A top-tier preschool curriculum must fully adhere to NEP 2020 and NCF 2024 guidelines, promoting holistic development through play-based learning.
- Age-Appropriate Learning Objectives
The curriculum should be tailored for different age groups (Playgroup, Nursery, LKG, UKG), focusing on developmental milestones such as fine motor skills, early numeracy, and literacy.
- Theme-Based Monthly Planning
Effective curricula integrate monthly themes (e.g., nature, festivals) to connect subjects and enhance engagement and retention.
- Activity-Based, Play-Centric Approach
Learning should be interactive and enjoyable, featuring activities, rhymes, role play, puzzles, and creative projects to develop social, cognitive, and physical skills.
- Comprehensive Teaching Resources
Providing teachers with manuals, worksheets, storybooks, and assessment tools ensures consistent, high-quality instruction. - Easy Implementation & Teacher Training
Curricula should include teacher training, classroom demonstrations, and ongoing support to facilitate effective implementation.
- Focus on Holistic Child DevelopmentBeyond academics, the curriculum should foster communication, emotional intelligence, creativity, problem-solving, and values.
Why It Matters for Your School
Choosing a well-designed preschool curriculum like SmartK by S Chand Group can address challenges such as inconsistent teaching and low parent engagement, offering structured, pedagogically sound resources that support joyful learning and compliance with national educational standards.