Guide to Starting a Preschool

Education imparted at preschools builds the foundation for children’s learning and growth. They expose the child to a whole new world of knowledge, social connections and skills which they would need as they grow. In today’s e-age most working parents are highly dependent on preschools to in still healthy and wise habits among their little one and educate them about what’s right and wrong, as they themselves lack the time and strategies to engage with their kids.

international school franchise opportunity

Urged by the immense growth potential of the preschool segment in India and the minimum start up investment required, there has been a significant rise in the number of play school franchise in India. Today one can find these early childhood education centres mushrooming in every street of India, be it the wide alleys of Gurgaon or the narrow streets of Varanasi. Pre school franchise opportunities is booming in India with a 35% growth rate for the industry. With such a positive outlook of the industry, preschools are a lucrative business opportunity for young entrepreneurs.

However, what hinders investors is the planning and hard work required to start a preschool.  Entrepreneurs often wonder whether to go for franchising route or self-owned business. While the sole ownership route of business has its own advantages, when it comes to preschool education the franchising route has definitely proven its worth. Researched curriculum, the methodology of engaging children and the reputation of the brand are the big pros for the franchising route. But before approaching any reputed preschool brand, entrepreneurs need to do some homework in advance.

You should have enough open and closed space to set up the preschool. Franchisors prefer spaces which are a little away from the main road in order to ensure the safety of young children. Mona Singh, Vice President, Sesame Schoolhouse shares, “play school franchise in India are always open to caring and committed entrepreneurs to establish and operate independent educational franchise in India. For Sesame Street Preschool we particularly look for aspiring franchisees who have a minimum of 2000 sq. feet (168 sq.mt.) covered area on the ground floor with about 1000 sq. ft (84 sq.mt.) outdoor area. Initial investment varies from INR 10 to 20 lacs depending on city and location. To make it easy for entrepreneurs to set up a franchise, we assist them with premise search. We also provide all equipment, furniture and teaching materials to ensure ease of setting up.”

It’s always advisable to get the preschool registered once established. Next, you need to plan and budget for all expenses like the franchisee fees, lease or rent for space, curriculum, salaries for staff, teachers’ training, furniture, office stationery, marketing etc. To attract kids and parents the preschool should be colourful and joyful. Hence, it’s important to plan for vibrant furniture and upholstery, indoor games and outdoor swings to engage children as they play and learn. Most of these things are often as per the franchisor’s requirements and go with the theme of the brand.

The primary decision point for parents is the curriculum of the preschool. You can follow the Montessori Method of education which emphasises on the natural learning of children and focuses both on social interaction and academics. There are other education methods also like Reggio Emilia approach and Waldorf education. These are well-researched approaches to education and most preschool brands follow a particular model to run their curriculum. While going for the franchising route, entrepreneurs need not worry about researching the content and education model as this has already been done by the franchisor. For example, Sesame Street Preschool puts kids at the centre of everything by creating an immersive learning experience that links audio and visual content, technology and the natural environment. Once the basic infrastructure of the preschool is in place, you can then invest in marketing and promotion of the school. Marketing methods may range from banners, brochures, newspaper and internet ads, etc.

Above all, love for kids is a must for entrepreneurs to planning to start a venture in preschool education. Along the way, you will surely encounter challenges which may be unique to your start up. All these can be overcome by simple planning and a long term approach.