Leaders

In times gone by, children would start their formal education at the age of five. But today’s kids enter the school life at an early age of just 2.5 years, most of them join daycare at just 10 months of age. As both the parents in the family are occupied with their professions, it rests on the play schools to offer a reliable system to ensure that the child’s growth is not hindered. Hence the schools have bigger responsibilities resting on their shoulder. Along with world-class education and security, it is important that they keep their chirpiness alive and customize everything as per each kid’s learning ability. Building such holistic ecosystem with Sswings Preschool & Day Care is Rajni Chabbra.

Rajni firmly believes that the seeds sown in childhood determine who we become. Born into a family where her father served in the Indian Air Force, her early years were marked by constant travel across the vast expanse of India. This exposure ignited in her a passion and a deep concern for the issues faced by those less fortunate, especially the little ones. Her mother, a dedicated educator, played a significant role in shaping Rajni's path. Today, Rajni Chabbra stands as the visionary Founder of Sswings Preschool & Day Care. Join us as we delve deeper into her insights.

What motivated you to enter the field of early education?

Venturing into early education was a natural progression for me. It all started with my mother's dedication to opening primary schools in the remote areas where my father's postings took us. My formative years were spent witnessing children aged three, five, or six attending these schools. So, in my mind, it was always about working with these young ones.

I used to watch my mother with awe. Seeing a woman lead the charge in education, especially in remote areas where it was so needed, inspired me. I would often imitate her in front of the mirror, pretending to be a principal. That's when the seeds of my love for education, teaching, and the dream of creating my own educational institution were sown. Coming from a background in defense, I had always been instilled with a love for our nation, the environment, and hands-on work. When we decided to settle in Delhi, my mother started her own school, and I witnessed her dedication firsthand as she built it from the ground up. This inspired me to pursue my own path in early childhood education.

As I grew up, I encountered institutions focused solely on early childhood programs, and some of my friends were involved in them. My deep love for children and a desire to start something from the grassroots level fueled my passion. I underwent special training in early childhood education, including a program with Julia Gabriel, a renowned name in this field. After gaining valuable experience, I returned to my mother's school and worked there for nearly five years. During this time, I honed my skills in administration, teaching, and overall school management. After feeling confident in my abilities and maturity, I decided to start my own venture.

What are the key expertise and offerings that parents and children can expect from Sswings Preschool & Day Care?

When we first began, our primary focus was on establishing a preschool. We envisioned a school that would captivate children's imagination with attractive infrastructure. We designed an experiential curriculum that included gardening, hands-on activities, water play, and a strong focus on environmental awareness, alongside traditional classroom learning.

However, it didn't end there. Parents working in corporate environments began approaching us, inquiring about daycare facilities. Initially, we had no experience with extended daycare programs. Yet, with increasing demand, we decided to expand our services to include daycare, accommodating children from preschools and providing them with additional care, food, activities, and nap time. Over the years, Sswings Preschool & Day Care has continued to grow, thanks to the trust and word-ofmouth recommendations of our parent community.

Share some milestones achieved so far.

Initially, running a preschool was relatively smooth, but when we ventured into daycare, we faced unique challenges. Overcoming those challenges and becoming experts in providing quality daycare services was a major achievement.

One of our proudest moments has been seeing our children thrive in our nurturing environment. We've expanded our classes to include second grade, in line with evolving education policies. Notably, prestigious mainstream schools have recognized our students' performance and approached Sswings Preschool & Day Care for admissions. Our positive reputation has led to invitations for me as a guest of honor at various events, showcasing our growth and recognition in the educational community.

What has been your success mantra?

I firmly believe that honesty and consistency are the pillars of success. I learned this from my mother, who remains my role model at 80+ years of age, still dedicated to her school.

However, all efforts must be coupled with maintaining a positive vibe, discipline, and hygiene. Happy staff creates a happy learning environment for children. In this age group, happiness is key to effective learning.

Rajni Chabbra, Principal, Sswings Preschool & Day Care

Inspired by Sudha Murthy, she values human qualities alongside education. With 14 years of experience, Rajni emphasizes happiness, love, and a positive atmosphere for children's learning and development at Sswings Preschool & Day Care.