1. Meaningful Brand Name
Selecting the right name for your school is a very essential step. It should always be easy, catchy and meaningful. It will help people remember it easily and retain it in their minds. Give sufficient time, energy and money to get the right name, as it stays a lifetime.
2. Legal Formalities
Don’t forget to complete all the formalities before putting your idea into action. Legal formalities include a municipal establishment certificate, a non-objection letter from the nearby residential society, a rent agreement with a long-term period, and a partnership deed (if it is a joint venture). All of the above formalities are important and need to be done on time.
3. Location
Location has always been an important element in starting up a preschool. A good location may cost you 20–30% more but will benefit you in the long term.
A good location itself works as a promotion for the business, which aids in decreasing marketing cost. Location is also a medium of convenience for staff and parents.
Before finalizing a property or location, make sure to check the size of the property (capacity), nearby population, play area, term rent, parking space, and condition of the property.
4. Selecting Target Audience
Learn, understand and select the target audience or group. Generally people build a business and then find a market that suits their product or service. But it is advisable to know and select the target group and build the business for them. While selecting the target market, make sure to consider income level, education level, family background and other characteristics.
5. Competitor Analysis
Before entering into the market, analysing your competitors is mandatory. Based on it you will be able to decide your offerings, fee structure, level of infrastructure, USP, day care facility, optional evening activities, group tuitions and strategic tie-ups. After completion of competitor analysis, find the gap and try to fill the void within the market by providing better services at the same or lower costs.
6. Fun-Filled and Child-Oriented Infrastructure
As this place is for kids between 2–6 years old, it should be colourful and attractive, and at the same time safety measures should also be considered essential. This kind of infrastructure not only attracts children but also boosts admission confirmation. Infrastructure should also be developed looking at the target audience, location, competitors and budget. Sacrificing the development of great infrastructure can cost you a lot more in the long run. Add things like CCTV cameras, heightened gates, round and cornered tables, remove stoppers from bathrooms, and put mats and carpets in play classrooms.
7. Opting for the Right Books (Publishers)
Hundreds of publishers are available for KG students. Always ensure you select a publisher that provides complete content, practice sheets, multi-coloured illustrations, good quality paper, and child-friendly material so a child’s motor skills can be enhanced. You can also mix and blend books of different publishers according to your pedagogy and syllabus contents. It is advisable for preschoolers to provide book sets from the school itself, for the convenience of parents.
8. Drafting Syllabus
It’s one of the most important parts. It should be a proper blend of conceptual learning, writing skills and extracurricular activities. It will help children build gross motor skills, social skills, cognitive development and much more.
Improper drafting of syllabus can lead to imbalance in the development of children. Syllabus also needs to be aligned with books, worksheets and higher standards.
9. Get the Right Teachers
Teachers are pillars of any preschool. Get the right people on board according to experience and qualification. Train them and make them comfortable with systems. Communicate vision, mission and philosophies to teachers properly.
Remember — together everyone achieves more.