National | July 21, 2026: EuroKids Preschool, India’s leading preschool brand, today announced the launch of Junior PlayGroup, a first-of-its-kind structured early learning programme designed exclusively for children aged 18-24 months. Built around a specialised curriculum, expert educators and safe learning environments, the programme has been created to support one of the most important stages of child development.

Traditionally, structured preschool education in India begins around the age of two-and-a-half or three. Junior PlayGroup bridges this gap by creating an age-appropriate learning environment that supports children’s developmental milestones. Rather than introducing academics earlier, it focuses on nurturing communication, movement, curiosity, emotional security and cognitive development through engaging, development-focused experiences.

Designed to meet the evolving needs of today’s parents, Junior PlayGroup offers a safe and nurturing environment where children can confidently begin their learning journey while staying meaningfully engaged through the day. It also provides families with a science-backed approach that encourages social interaction, reduces screen dependence and supports age-appropriate development through structured early learning experiences.

KVS Seshasai, CEO, Pre-K Division, Lighthouse Learning (EuroKids), said, “For too long, early childhood education has been viewed as something that begins when a child enters preschool. But science tells us that learning begins much earlier. The first two years of life are a period of extraordinary brain development, laying the foundation for communication, curiosity, confidence and emotional wellbeing. 

With Junior PlayGroup, we are addressing an important gap in India’s early learning ecosystem by creating a research-informed programme designed specifically for young children. Whether it is working parents looking for a safe and nurturing environment where their child can confidently begin their learning journey, or families seeking a science-backed programme that supports healthy development, social interaction and curiosity, our goal is to give every child the right environment to explore, interact and develop the foundational skills that shape lifelong learning.” 

At the heart of Junior PlayGroup is a progressive 30-week curriculum featuring 150 curated learning experiences that evolve with each child’s developmental journey. Every 90-minute session blends sensory exploration, movement, storytelling, communication, practical life experiences and creative activities to build foundational skills across four key developmental pillars – routine and regulation, communication, brain development, and exploration and curiosity. The programme is delivered by specialised early childhood educators at a 1:6 teacher-child ratio, with every facilitator trained in toddler development, age-appropriate pedagogy, classroom execution and safety. Children also benefit from learning in TÜV Nord-certified centres that provide a secure and nurturing environment.

The launch comes amid growing demand for structured developmental experiences before traditional preschool begins. Reflecting this shift, EuroKids receives thousands of enquiries every month from parents looking for structured programmes for children in this age group, highlighting the growing need for dedicated early learning programmes.

Launching across more than 2,000 EuroKids centres nationwide, Junior PlayGroup has 450 unique learning experiences to lay the appropriate foundation for any child’s education journey.  Admissions are now open across participating centres, with classes commencing from 20 July 2026. Parents can contact their nearest EuroKids centre for programme details and enrolment.

Mrs. Namrata Verma, President (DMS) presided over the function. Present on the occasion were Mrs. Pravati Misra, Mrs. Smita Giri, Dr. Pratijna Palai, Mrs. Rita Rani and Mrs. Nabanita Pal Chowdhury, the Vice Presidents of DMS, Mr. R S Bara, DGM (CSR), Mrs. Sarika Kumar, Secretary (DMS), other members of the governing body, CSR officials of RSP, along with the Principal, teachers and students of DISS were also present.

On this occasion, Mrs. Namrata Verma also inaugurated a newly developed playroom for the Sishu Vatika children, aimed at providing a joyful and engaging environment for early childhood learning.

A centrepiece of this launch is the Soul Science Kit, an integral part of the Primary Learner’s Kit that prioritizes emotional wellbeing alongside academic success. Recognizing that modern education must address the whole child, this kit uses mindful games, art, and calm play to help students in Grades 1–4 develop essential life skills like empathy, resilience, and self-awareness.

For Preschoolers (LY1–LY4), the kits feature eight specialized activities focusing on literacy, motor skills, and social-emotional growth. Primary students in Grades 1-2 receive nine activities covering English, Hindi, EVS, and Math, while Grades 3-4 transition into STEM-focused learning with eight targeted activities, ensuring a seamless academic progression that encourages curiosity and reflective thinking.

On this occasion, Mr. Nirvaan Birla, Managing Director, Birla Open Minds said, “At Birla Open Minds, we believe that education should nurture both the mind and the heart. Our new Learner’s Kit are designed to take the pressure off rote learning and replace it with learning by doing. By integrating the Soul Science Kit, we are ensuring that our students don’t just excel in academics, but also develop the emotional strength and mindfulness needed to navigate the modern world with confidence and kindness.”

Through these Learner’s Kit, Birla Open Minds continues to lead the way in providing students with the tools to become focused, empathetic, and academically proficient individuals. The initiative aims to lead the future of holistic education, ensuring every child grows into a balanced, well-rounded, and future-ready individual.