Inclusion Isn’t Something We Add On – It’s Where Learning Begins

What does it truly take to nurture young minds in a world that’s constantly changing? As families adapt to hybrid work models, screen time debates, and evolving parenting expectations, the early childhood education sector is undergoing a quiet but powerful transformation. In this exclusive interview Shireen Sultana, Senior Vice President – Marketing at KLAY Preschool and Daycare, offers a deep dive into how one of India’s leading preschool chains is reimagining early learning with empathy, innovation, and intention with Education Post’s Prabhav Anand.

Sultana sheds light on the post-pandemic shift toward hybrid learning—not as a digital substitute, but as a continuity tool that enhances hands-on, joyful learning at home and school. She elaborates on KLAY’s proprietary CLAPP app, which strengthens the school-home connection through real-time updates, milestone tracking, and parenting resources.

She discusses how KLAY has adapted to the new parenting rhythms shaped by remote work, offering flexible schedules, staggered start times, and even hourly drop-ins—without compromising on emotional connection and quality care. According to her, today’s parents seek more than a childcare provider; they seek an involved partner who notices the “little things” and celebrates every milestone.

The conversation also delves into how KLAY prioritizes physical, emotional, and digital safety with a 360-degree approach—ranging from NEBOSH-certified protocols and CDC-aligned sanitization practices to empathetic caregiving anchored in their “3C Model”: Connect, Comfort, Communicate.

When it comes to pedagogy, Sultana passionately advocates for rhythm over rigidity. She explains how KLAY balances structured learning with play-based development through global pedagogies like Reggio Emilia and Multiple Intelligences, making every learning moment rich with purpose and play.

Inclusivity is another pillar of the KLAY philosophy. Through the Learning Advancement Plan (LAP), educators are trained to observe, identify, and support children with neurodiverse or special learning needs using individualized strategies, sensory play, and developmental tracking.

In a competitive market filled with new entrants, Sultana emphasizes that KLAY’s strength lies in its ability to build trust—not through marketing gimmicks, but through everyday consistency, warmth, and genuine parent engagement across 170+ centres serving over 65,000 families.

This thoughtful, wide-ranging interview isn’t just about early childhood education—it’s a blueprint for how institutions can evolve with empathy and intention, while staying rooted in what matters most: the child.

Q: The early childhood education sector has undergone major shifts post-pandemic, with a growing emphasis on hybrid learning models. How has the industry adapted, and what innovative approaches have emerged to enhance the preschool experience?

If there’s one thing the pandemic taught us, it’s that learning doesn’t stop—even when the world does. In early childhood education, where a hug or a giggle can say more than words, the idea of hybrid learning once felt unimaginable. But it nudged us to reimagine what a classroom could be.

We witnessed a meaningful shift—technology began to support hands-on learning, not replace it.

Today, hybrid isn’t about screens; it’s about continuity. A story introduced at school can come alive again at home. A science experiment can be recreated in the kitchen, with a parent guiding the way. And most importantly, teachers and parents are now more connected than ever, working as partners in a child’s development.

At KLAY, we’ve embraced this shift through CLAPP, our parent app that bridges the gap between school and home. From real-time updates and learning milestones to weekend activity ideas and parenting tips, CLAPP ensures the preschool experience doesn’t end with the school bell—it carries on.

It’s the balance every family is looking for—technology that supports, without taking over. And most importantly, while not taking away from the screen-free childhood that toddlers and pre-schoolers truly need. At KLAY, we believe in tech that complements the magic of hands-on, joyful learning.

Q: With more parents working remotely or in hybrid setups, has there been a noticeable shift in daycare and early learning preferences? What are some evolving expectations that preschools and daycare centres must address?

Yes—and it’s not just a shift. It’s an entirely new parenting rhythm, shaped by changing work environments and evolving family dynamics. With homes now doubling up as offices, parents are looking for early learning spaces that feel like trusted extensions of home—safe, warm, and emotionally attuned to their child’s needs.

There’s a clear move towards flexibility. We’ve seen increased demand for half-day programs, staggered start times, and even hourly drop-ins. Parents want options that adapt to their schedules without compromising on care and quality. But beyond logistics, there’s a deeper ask: connection.

Today’s parents aren’t just looking for childcare providers—they’re seeking partners in parenting. They want to be involved, updated, and reassured. They ask, “Will you notice the little things? Will you tell me when my child feels off? Will you cheer their tiny milestones with me?”

At KLAY, the answer is always yes. Because when we walk alongside parents in this journey, the child feels that support from all sides—and that makes all the difference.

From finger guards to fire drills, cuddle corners to child protection commitees – our safety promise is all encompassing. Because when children feel safe-inside out – they don’t just participate. They truly flourish.

Q: Safety—both physical and emotional—has become a top priority for parents today. Could you elaborate on key measures that ensure a secure and nurturing environment, particularly regarding mental well-being and digital safety?

At KLAY, we believe safety isn’t just a checklist—it’s a feeling. For a child to truly learn and grow, they must first feel secure, valued, and cared for. That’s why our Foundational Development Program is built around predictable routines, warm adult-child relationships, and responsive caregiving.

Our facilitators follow the “3C Model”: Connect, Comfort, Communicate—creating strong emotional anchors and nurturing mental well-being. Classrooms become emotionally safe spaces where children can express big feelings, ask questions, and explore freely.

When it comes to physical safety, our centres follow CDC and WHO-based protocols. With NEBOSH-certified audits, daily sanitisation, child-friendly materials, constant supervision, and only female staff-handling children, we build layers of trust that parents can count on.

Digital safety is equally important. We use secure platforms, ensure there is no unsupervised screen time, and introduce digital awareness in age-appropriate ways. Along beyond just access, data safety and confidentiality are non-negotiable at KLAY. From encrypted systems, networks security, to staff governance and protocol—your child’s information—about your child, your family, or our system—is protected with utmost care.

Q: Early childhood education is often debated for being either too rigid or too lenient. How can institutions strike the right balance between structured learning and play-based development to ensure children are prepared for primary school without unnecessary academic pressure?

At KLAY, we believe the answer lies in rhythm—not rigidity. Young children thrive in environments that feel structured yet joyful, where routine offers comfort and learning feels like play.

Our Foundational Development Program follows a thematic, age-appropriate curriculum that blends guided instruction with child-led exploration. A simple pretend session becomes a lesson in math, language, empathy, and negotiation—all in one.

We draw from global philosophies like Reggio Emilia and Multiple Intelligences to ensure every child is in their own way. Harvard research supports this play-based learning builds executive function—a key predictor of school readiness.

So instead of saying “sit still and write,” we say “can you build your story?” or “let’s act it out together.” Children at KLAY don’t just read, they perform joyfully—they develop the confidence, curiosity, and love for learning that will carry them far beyond it.

Q: As awareness around inclusive education grows, how can preschools ensure that children with diverse learning needs, including neurodivergence or special requirements, receive the necessary support and resources?

Every child’s learning journey is different—but their need to feel included is universal.

At KLAY, inclusion isn’t something we add on—it’s where learning begins. From our classroom environments to our curriculum design and educator training, everything is built to recognise and celebrate neurodiversity from the very start.

A key part of this approach is our Learning Advancement Plan (LAP)—a structured, research-backed framework that helps identify children who may need additional support. Through close observation, milestone tracking, and collaboration with child development experts, we create personalised strategies to help each child thrive. This might include sensory play zones, visual schedules, or adapted routines—each designed to meet the child where they are.

While UNESCO reports that only 1 in 10 children with disabilities have access to early education, we’re working to change that. And while frameworks guide us, it’s our trained, empathetic educators who bring inclusion to life—ensuring every child feels seen, supported, and celebrated.

Because the goal isn’t to “fit the child in”—it’s to help them shine, just as they are.

Q: In a highly competitive landscape where new preschools and daycare centres emerge frequently, what strategies are most effective in building trust with parents and maintaining a strong brand identity?

Trust isn’t built through brochures or branding. It’s built in the everyday magic—the warm welcome at drop-off, a facilitator remembering a child’s comfort toy, or a message from a caregiver sharing a smile moment.

At KLAY, we focus on creating consistent, emotionally resonant experiences for both children and parents. From our real-time parent app updates to our structured curriculum delivered seamlessly across 170+ centres, we reinforce reliability, dignity, and care with every touchpoint. We also integrate parents as true partners—through orientation sessions, curriculum meetings, portfolio showcases, and parenting webinars/workshops. These aren’t just touchpoints; they’re trust points.

Our trained facilitators and caregivers bring heart and expertise to every interaction. And with 65,000+ happy families and 450+ corporate partners, much of our growth is led by word-of-mouth.

Because brand identity isn’t just about being known—it’s about being remembered for how we made families feel: supported, safe, and seen.

Q: The first five years of a child’s life are crucial for cognitive and emotional development. How can neuroscience-backed teaching methodologies and parental involvement reinforce positive learning experiences both at school and at home?

The research is undeniable: 85% of brain development occurs before age 5, with over a million neural connections forming every second. At KLAY, we treat this window not as a race, but as a powerful opportunity to lay strong, joyful foundations.

Our Foundational Development Program is built around this insight—with structured routines, sensory-rich classrooms, and thoughtfully designed activities that support memory, attention, and emotional regulation. From circle time to storytelling, every moment is intentionally crafted to engage the growing brain.

But learning doesn’t stop at the classroom door. We believe in the power of school-home learning, where parents and educators come together to be active partners in a child’s journey. Through orientation sessions, milestone check-ins, parent webinars, and daily updates on our app, we ensure that what’s experienced at school is mirrored and reinforced at home.

We also share at-home activities that help parents actively step in for joyful learning into their everyday routines—co-exploring, co-creating, and celebrating progress together. Because when school and home work in harmony, we don’t just nurture development—we nurture connection. And that’s where children truly shine and flourish.

This interview was originally published in Education Post Magazine.