By Priya Shetty 

According to financial analysts, India has seen a huge increase in per capita expenditure on education. There has also been a huge increase in the number of working women over the years. This and the rising number of nuclear families are some of the parameters due to which the preschool market in India is showing a constantly growing trend since the past few of years. 

It has been forecasted by experts that the preschool market in India will grow at a CAGR of 27% in the coming years. 

This can be attributed to several parameters such as the general observation of growing awareness among Indian parents about early childhood education and care. Also due to an increase in the number of nuclear families coupled with a large number of working women population. These factors are expected to contribute to the growing demand for preschool centres in India over the next five years. 

Rapid urbanization and development have led to an increase in brand consciousness. Also, there has been a rising market penetration of many international preschool brands in the country looking to expand their footprint through the franchise model. This has been beneficial as it has helped in the emergence of advanced infrastructure and quality standards in early education.

Ms. Bushra Begum was a housewife till 2017. One day, she had an opportunity to attend a franchise session conducted by the Bambino International preschool. She was thrilled to know about the opportunity that lay in front of her. She seized the opportunity and today, she is a proud woman entrepreneur with her own Bambino Preschool Franchise and inspires countless other women with her inspiring stories.

Although starting a preschool franchise in India may look simple but there are a few tips that, if followed, could help you choose the right brand suiting your profile and requirements. 

1. Location: This needs a bit of research. Choose the location that is ideal for your target audience.

2. Facilities: Parents are very particular about the facilities available in the preschool. It is essential to make sure the environment is child friendly and ensure that all safety measures are in place.

3. Curriculum: You need to set a curriculum in place that is well tested and suitable for the current education scenario. Most parents are looking out for a inclusion of the Montessori method for a practical approach towards learning the fundamentals at the initial stages. 

4. Teachers & caretakers: Take time to recruit and train the right team of teachers and caretakers. This team can take care of your preschool when you have other commitments to fulfill. It is essential that the teachers and caretakers love being around young people.

5. Interactions with parents: If you are able to associate with a well-known and trusted brand, you get access to an authentic, tried and tested method of teaching principles and system. Parents usually prefer being extensively briefed and explained on the type and methodology of education that will be imparted to their child. When you get associated with a well-established brand, it brings along with it expert advice and a support system. 

It is a matter of pride for all Indians, that most Indian women who would be confined behind closed doors previously are now venturing out and building their own businesses. This boosts their self-confidence. These women are not only helping themselves become financially independent, but are also becoming role models in their family and community

It is a well-known fact that women are gifted with multi-tasking abilities. For women who wish to balance family and business, taking up a preschool franchise business could be an ideal choice

[The above article is part of a series of articles that provides information and real-life stories for Indian women who are looking at options to become financially independent]