Kindiedays CEO Milla van der Burgh recently embarked on an impactful journey to India, engaging in inspiring events highlighting the growing partnership between Finland and India in early childhood education. From presenting at the prestigious Early Childhood Association (ECA) conference and visiting Cresmonde World School in Mumbai to celebrating Peas in Pod Preschool’s expansion in New Delhi, her visit showcased the transformative potential of Finnish pedagogy in India.

A Spotlight on Early Education at the ECA Conference in Mumbai

The 11th Annual International ECA-APER Conference in Mumbai, a key gathering of early childhood education leaders, was organized by the Early Childhood Association of India under the leadership of Dr. Swati Popat Vats. This year’s theme focused on Experiential Learning Trends and Innovations, aligning perfectly with Kindiedays' play-based and holistic learning mission.

Milla van der Burgh, alongside Kindiedays’ local expert Ranjan Goyal, captivated the audience by sharing insights from Finland’s world-renowned early education model. Her presentation included practical demonstrations, most notably the Number Dice activity, which contrasted traditional worksheet learning with an interactive, play-based approach. The results were clear: experiential learning engages children far more effectively, making learning enjoyable and impactful. You can download the Number Dice lesson plan sample HERE.

A Visit to Cresmonde World School in Mumbai

Before the ECA conference, Milla enjoyed visiting Cresmonde World School in Mumbai, one of Kindiedays' valued partners. She met with their dedicated management team, toured their wonderful facilities, and interacted with some lovely little learners.

“It’s amazing to see how seriously they are embracing playful learning and implementing Finnish curriculum practices in their approach. The ongoing construction work looks promising, and I can’t wait to see how their vision unfolds!” – Milla van der Burgh.

Why is Observation, Documentation, and Assessment Important?

Understanding how children learn is as important as what they learn. Learning is not just about reaching an outcome but the entire process, from planning activities to evaluating and improving learning experiences. Systematic observation, documentation, and assessment ensure that the curriculum's learning objectives are continuously followed and assessed throughout the learning journey.

Preschool education is foundational in shaping a child's cognitive, social, and emotional development. By observing, documenting, and assessing children's learning, teachers can:

• Gain deeper and authentic insights into children’s interests, strengths, and learning styles.
• Align learning activities with curriculum goals by linking observations to specific learning objectives.
• Support individualized learning by tailoring activities to each child’s needs.
• Enhance communication with parents by providing clear evidence of children’s progress.
• Ensure continuous improvement in teaching methods and curriculum planning.

How to Observe, Document, and Assess Learning

1. Observation: Understanding the Learning Process

Observation is the first and most crucial step in assessing children's learning. Teachers must carefully watch and listen to children engage in different activities. Practical observation should be:

As an Academic Director, you play a crucial role in ensuring that your preschool stands out as a center of excellence. However, many preschools struggle with challenges that impact their growth: low admission rates, disengaged parents, and high teacher turnover. To build a thriving preschool business, you need a solution that enhances your curriculum, empowers teachers, and delivers measurable learning outcomes.

The Challenge: Balancing Quality and Growth

Preschools today face increasing competition. Parents are looking for institutions that offer more than just daycare—they want high-quality early childhood education that sets a strong foundation for their children. However, delivering the quality education that parents expect without a well-structured curriculum and motivated teachers becomes difficult.

At the same time, teachers often feel overwhelmed with administrative tasks, struggle with outdated teaching materials, and lack professional development opportunities. This can lead to burnout and high attrition rates, making maintaining a stable and experienced teaching team difficult.

So, how can you create a preschool that attracts more students, earns parents' trust, and retains its best teachers?

The Solution: A Proven Approach to Preschool Success

Preschool education is evolving. The best learning happens not by rote memorization but through hands-on experiences that engage a child's natural curiosity. Experiential learning—where children learn by doing—has been proven to foster creativity, problem-solving skills, and a love for lifelong learning.

However, how can preschools implement this approach effectively while maintaining structure and high-quality education? That’s where Kindiedays Pro comes in.

Why Experiential Learning Matters in Early Childhood Education

Inspired by global best practices—especially Finland’s renowned early childhood education model—experiential learning focuses on active exploration, inquiry, and real-world problem-solving. Here’s why it’s essential for your preschool:

✅ Develop Critical Thinking: Hands-on activities encourage children to explore, ask questions, and experiment, strengthening cognitive skills.
✅ Boost Engagement: Children retain information better when actively participating rather than passively receiving instructions.
✅ Encourage Social Skills: Group activities foster collaboration, communication, and teamwork.
✅ Bridge the Gap Between Theory and Practice: Children connect what they learn to real-life scenarios, making learning meaningful.

How Kindiedays Pro Creates a High-Quality Experiential Learning Environment

Kindiedays Pro is designed to help your preschool seamlessly integrate experiential learning into daily routines. With a structured approach that balances play-based learning, curriculum development, and teacher empowerment, the program equips your school with the tools, training, and support needed for success.

  WATCH VIDEO  

1. Curriculum Design that Encourages Exploration

At Kindiedays, we understand that quality education begins with empowered teachers and center heads. We’re thrilled to announce the start of the 2nd cohort for Kindiedays Academy, a live online training program for private preschools. 

Starting February 26th, this program offers an unparalleled opportunity to elevate teaching practices by combining the best elements of Finnish and local early education curriculums.

Why Kindiedays Academy?

Running a successful preschool means more than just providing childcare; it’s about creating a nurturing environment where children thrive and learn. Teachers need the right skills, knowledge, and confidence to achieve this. Kindiedays Academy is here to equip preschool educators with world-class training that enhances their pedagogical skills and aligns with parents' evolving expectations and regulatory standards.

Whether you’re a teacher seeking professional growth or a preschool academic coordinator aiming to build a competitive and profitable institution, this program offers tangible benefits that will set your preschool apart.

Education Specialist Stella Giota leads the Kindiedays Academy.

Watch her greetings!

Said by our Customer

"Thank you so much for bringing your expertise to Chresmonde World School. Your sessions left a lasting impression on our teachers, students, and parents, inspiring us to embrace the possibilities of Finnish pedagogy. We look forward to collaboration further as we strive to shape a brighter learning journey for children".