Why the first five years matter more than we think 

KLAY’s perspectives on early childhood education and school readiness have been featured in a recent The Times of India article titled “The First Five Years: The Window We Can’t Reopen.“ 

The article highlights a subject that is central to KLAY’s philosophy, the critical importance of the first five years in a child’s development. 

Drawing on research and classroom observations, the article explores how the early years lay the foundation for a child’s future learning, relationships, confidence, and overall well-being. It notes that nearly 90% of brain development takes place before the age of five, making early childhood one of the most significant stages of life. 

The feature also emphasises that school readiness extends far beyond academics. It is about helping children develop social and emotional skills, communication abilities, resilience, curiosity, and a positive approach to learning. 

A key insight shared in the article is that children thrive when they are provided with safe, nurturing, and structured environments that encourage exploration and meaningful interactions. Through play, routines, relationships, and guided learning experiences, children gradually build the confidence and skills they need for future success. 

The article further highlights findings from a KLAY parent survey conducted in 2025, which revealed that 92% of preschool-going children demonstrated emotional resilience, an important indicator of healthy early development. 

 At KLAY, we witness these moments every day. Whether it is a child trying something new, solving a problem independently, making a friend, or bouncing back after a setback, these experiences contribute to holistic development and lifelong learning. 

With over 180 company-owned and company-operated centres across India, KLAY remains committed to making quality early childhood education accessible to families and ensuring that every child receives the strong foundation they deserve. 

 We are proud to see KLAY’s insights featured in The Times of India and to contribute to important conversations around early childhood development, school readiness, and the role of quality preschool education in shaping confident, capable learners. 

 Read the full article in The Times of India to learn more about why the first five years truly matter.