Nidhi Lal: Transforming the Definition of Educational Success with Real-World Approach

Nidhi Lal Academic

Director

Preschools play a pivotal role in fostering a safe and nurturing environment where every child feels cherished, respected, and valued. Creating a sense of community ensures that each child's unique strengths and abilities are celebrated, laying the foundation for holistic development. In such an inclusive setting, children thrive emotionally, socially, and academically, building confidence and self-esteem. By prioritizing the well-being and happiness of every child, preschools can cultivate a supportive ecosystem where all children flourish and reach their full potential. Following the vision to build a safe community where every child feels special, loved, valued, and where all children can flourish – Nidhi Lal created United World Preschool (UWP). With a career spanning over three decades, Nidhi Lal's journey is a testament to her commitment to nurturing young minds and reshaping the landscape of preschool education.

Nidhi's foray into the field of education dates back to the mid-1980s when she embarked on her teaching career in India. After a decade of honing her skills as an educator, Nidhi seamlessly transitioned into teaching at the British International School, Moscow. This experience laid the groundwork for her eventual ascent into leadership roles. Her tenure as the Principal of Rosinka International Kindergarten in Moscow marked the beginning of her leadership journey. Subsequently, she assumed leadership positions in prestigious institutions such as NPS International School in Singapore and Ridge Valley School in India. During her time in Singapore, she also spent seven years at Overseas Family School. Each of these invaluable experiences provided insights not only into educational leadership, but also multiple styles of teaching and learning which Nidhi needed in order to create and spearhead UWP.

Inspiration Behind Edupreneurship

Nidhi embarked on her journey as an edupreneur with extreme passion and gusto, with a desire to execute on all of her visions. Along her journey, however, Nidhi discovered that the transition to business especially in the ECCE industry wouldn’t be as seamless as she had hoped for because of the intricacies and requirements of the childcare system. As such, recruiting staff that shared the same vision and values of Nidhi (and UWP) posed its difficulties.

Consequently, recruiting suitable staff became a daunting task, compounded by the demanding nature of childcare schedules. Long working hours and the absence of traditional school breaks posed challenges to both teachers and management. Despite these challenges, Nidhi's commitment to excellence propelled her forward.

Through meticulous planning and steadfast dedication, Nidhi ensured United World Preschool, maintained premium standards, mitigating operational obstacles along the way.

"I am truly impressed by the unwavering passion and dedication of early childhood educators. Despite facing numerous challenges and working long hours, their commitment to nurturing young minds is both admirable and deserving of recognition", shares Nidhi Lal, Academic Director.

Instead of acting as deterrents, these hurdles only propelled and reinforced Nidhi’s vision of UWP, to provide accessible, quality education that is holistic in nature and unrivaled in its impact. Recognizing the disparity between overpriced fees and subpar facilities in many preschools, Nidhi envisioned a school that upheld premium standards without burdening families financially. Her mission was clear: to democratize education, making it available to all socio-economic backgrounds, whilst still providing the best, and every resource. Drawing from her experience in international schools, Nidhi implemented a curriculum focused on inquiry-based learning, ensuring children not only enjoyed their education but also gained foundational skills effectively. UWP's state-of-the-art facilities, including projectors, iMacs in all the classrooms, and immersive learning resources, reflect Nidhi's commitment to providing an enriching environment.

‘‘
‚‚
Nidhi Lal's journeyin founding United World Preschool stemmed froma deep-rooted belief in accessibl equality education

Hands-On Learning & Creative Expression

UWP's pedagogy reflects Nidhi's eclectic approach, drawing inspiration from Montessori, Reggio and play-based methodologies. By combining the strengths of each approach, UWP offers a tailored learning experience that caters to diverse learning styles and developmental needs. From hands-on materials to open-ended inspired projects, children are afforded opportunities for self-directed learning and creative expression. This multi-faceted approach ensures that every child receives personalized attention and enjoys a fulfilling educational journey. Furthermore, parents marvel at the school's ability to deliver high-quality education at a fraction of the cost, a testament to Nidhi's vision. UWP's success speaks volumes, inspiring Nidhi to continue her mission of enriching young minds and ensuring every child receives the education they deserve.

Nidhi's approach at UWP transcends traditional education. Drawing from her expertise in child psychology, she seamlessly integrates 21st-century skills into the curriculum, including curiosity, creativity, communication, collaboration, compassion, and composure. Nidhi ensures these skills are tangible for children by breaking down abstract concepts. For instance, criticism is reframed from something negative to being a tool for reflection, growth and self-mastery. Teachers intentionally impart these skills, fostering holistic development. Through structured lesson plans and daily practices, mindfulness becomes integral, nurturing emotional regulation and resilience. Nidhi’s vision extends beyond academics, where the children have attended field trips, aiming to cultivate well-rounded individuals equipped to navigate the complexities of the 21st century.

"My advice to aspiring educational leaders and edupreneurs is to actively engage in the work and with the children and to try and view education from a creative and holistic perspective, rather than a rigid one – and ultimately, the proof will be in the pudding, or in this case, the children", shares Nidhi.

In conclusion, Nidhi's innovative approach at UWP reflects a deep commitment to holistic education. By blending present-day skills with mindfulness and personalized learning, she empowers students to thrive academically and emotionally. Nidhi's vision sets a powerful example for educational leaders and underscores the importance of values-driven pedagogy.