Table of Contents
Aim in Life: .......................................................................................................................... 2
Why do we need preschool in Bangladesh? ........................................................................... 2
How to Start a Preschool in Bangladesh? .............................................................................. 3
Things to Consider Before Starting a Preschool in Bangladesh .............................................. 3
The mission of My Dream Nursery School:........................................................................... 5
Understanding the Role of Planning in Management ............................................................. 5
Steps to Prepare for Setting Up a Nursery School .................................................................. 5
Developing the Planning Strategy for Setting Up the Nursery School .................................... 6
Conclusion ............................................................................................................................ 8
1
Designing a Planning Strategy for Setting Up a Nursery School in
Bangladesh: An Undergraduate Student’s Dream
Education is the backbone of any nation. It is the single biggest determinant for a country’s
metrics of success. In the past three decades, Bangladesh has moved from a 35% literacy rate
to 74% in 2021. While the growth is commendable, Bangladesh ranks 128th in the world
literacy index. It falls short by almost 10% in the world average literacy rate. The only solution
to boost literacy is through the expansion of primary and preschools in both rural and suburban
areas.
Aim in Life:
I am currently pursuing my undergraduate degree, and I have a clear vision for my future: to
establish a nursery school that provides an enriched curriculum to children. My goal is not just
to offer basic education, but to create a place where children grow emotionally, mentally,
socially, and creatively. As I study Child Development and Social Relationship, I now realize
that planning is the most essential tool I can use to make this dream a reality.
Why do we need preschool in Bangladesh?
Bangladesh holds a 98% primary enrolment rate which is one of the highest in Southeast Asia.
Yet Bangladesh ranks low in the literacy rate. The reason is the subsequent dropout of students
from the primary level. A study conducted by UNICEF shows that over 92% of the children
aged 3 or below do not get into any kind of formal education and only 38% of the children
attend some form of education at age 4. Primary education in Bangladesh starts at the age of 5
which reflects the high enrolment rate. The two-year gap between ages 3 to 5 is where
preschools come in.
A preschool prepares a child to be inquisitive. The NCTB curriculum is followed from the
primary level bounds of students in syllabus-based learning. It does not allow a child to develop
a love for learning. Most children struggle in the early days which shows a general disinterest
in studies in the later years. As a result, Bangladesh has a 17.90% dropout rate, one of the
highest in the world. A preschool can easily solve this problem by introducing fun and engaging
learning for the kid before they step into the formal education system.
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How to Start a Preschool in Bangladesh?
The existing preschool and kindergarten are mostly private initiatives taken by different
authorities and NGOs. Since preschools technically fall under the educational institution as an
entity, they must comply with the Registration of Private Schools Ordinance of 1962 and the
Primary Education Act of 1951, and the amended act of 1974.
Step 1 – Developing the Framework
The first thing to consider to start a school is to create the framework. The process of registering
the school happens in the second phase which will be detailed in the next point.
As part of the registration process, any preschool school needs to have a governing body, a
building, an appropriate classroom setup, and sufficient teaching and associate staff. These are
the primary requirements to be considered for school certification.
Step 2 – Certification as an Educational Institution
Preschools fall under the private organization category. As a result, the school needs to register
under the Registration of Private Schools Ordinance. Under this ordinance, the school
authority/ founding body needs to submit a formal application to the registration authority. In
this case, the registration authority is the primary and secondary education ministry. An
application fee also needs to be paid during the submission.
It takes about 90 days from the day of application for verification and certification. From the
context of Bangladesh, it is important to have the certification to avoid any kind of legal trouble.
Step 3 – Ensuring Compliance from the Local Authority
The school needs to have a NOC from the neighborhood/ ward office regarding its activities.
It must comply with the ward rules and regulations while conducting class activities.
Things to Consider Before Starting a Preschool in Bangladesh
The aim to start a preschool is certainly commendable. However, the aim and the vision only
become successful when students attend the school. There are a few key considerations that
can help a budding school in its initial stage.
Target Market
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From the socio-economic perspective of Bangladesh, a preschool is mostly considered by the
middle class, upper-middle-class, and upper-class households. So, the market segmentation
should be done accordingly to attract them.
The Location
It is best to set up a school in an easily accessible prime location. It will help to attract more
students from around the area. Also, it needs to make sure that the location of preschool is near
the target segment of population for maximum impact.
The Fees Structure
There is a common misconception that having a lower fee structure will attract more students.
In the education sector, this theory does not hold. Parents tend to ensure the best education for
their children considering the target market for the preschool. To them, the quality of the
education gets more priority compared to the cost.
As a result, a higher fees structure can be set up provided that it matches with the imparted
education.
Marketing and Parent Interaction
Marketing is important to reach the target segment. Social media marketing can be a key tool
in this regard. Different social media platforms can be used to showcase the teaching facilities,
amenities, and different services of the school.
The school can conduct regular meetings with the guardians to keep them updated on different
matters and seek their input. It will also make the guardians more reassured about the education
department.
The Teacher and the Curriculum
Perhaps the most important aspect to consider is the teachers. Make sure the teaching staff is
competent to handle toddlers and have the necessary training for it. The curriculum material
should be carefully chosen so that the learning process aligns with the national curriculum as
well as make things fun and engaging for the students.
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The mission of My Dream Nursery School:
Mission Objectives:
-Offer a curriculum that balances play, academics, and emotional growth.
- Promote early literacy, numeracy, and moral values.
- Encourage arts, music, nature, and storytelling.
- Foster a safe, hygienic, and nurturing environment.
- Empower teachers through continuous training.
Understanding the Role of Planning in Management
Planning is the most critical function in management. It provides direction, reduces
uncertainty, helps coordinate efforts, and enables goal setting.
Types of planning applied in this project:
1. Strategic Planning: Defining the school’s vision, mission, and values.
2. Tactical Planning: Detailing specific strategies for hiring, curriculum development,
marketing, and operations.
3. Operational Planning: Day-to-day activities, including scheduling, staffing, and
managing resources.
4. Contingency Planning: Safety policies, health emergencies, backup teachers.
Steps to Prepare for Setting Up a Nursery School
As an undergraduate student in Bangladesh, there are several key actions I can take to prepare
for this project:
Educational Research & Training:
Enroll in online courses related to early childhood education (ECE), Montessori methods, and
curriculum development. Attend workshops and webinars on child psychology, teaching
methods, and management in education.
Field Experience:
Intern or volunteer at existing nursery schools to learn first-hand about child care, classroom
management, and educational practices.
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Observe how successful schools operate, the challenges they face, and the solutions they
provide.
Build a Network:
Connect with educational professionals, child development experts, and entrepreneurs who
have established similar projects. Join local education associations and attend events focused
on early education in Bangladesh.
Develop Financial Literacy:
Learn basic budgeting and financial planning through online courses or workshops. Understand
government grants, loans, and investment opportunities available for educational entrepreneurs
in Bangladesh.
Developing the Planning Strategy for Setting Up the Nursery School
1. Initial Market Research and Needs Assessment
▪ Demographics: Analyze the target market in Bangladesh, focusing on urban areas
with a high concentration of young families.
▪ Competitor Analysis: Study existing nursery schools in the area, identify gaps in
services, and differentiate your school by offering a unique curriculum.
▪ Cultural Factors: Incorporate cultural values into the curriculum while also
promoting global standards of early childhood development.
2. Choosing the Right Location and Infrastructure
▪ Accessibility: Select a location that is easily accessible for families with young
children, preferably close to residential areas.
▪ Safety: Ensure that the building is child-proof with secure fencing, child-safe
furniture, and proper sanitation facilities.
▪ Classroom Layout: Design classrooms to be bright, spacious, and creative, with
distinct zones for play, learning, and rest.
3. Curriculum Design
The curriculum must be play-based and child-centered, fostering holistic development across
cognitive, physical, emotional, and social aspects.
Core Areas:
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▪ Early literacy and numeracy
▪ Music, art, and dance
▪ Cognitive and sensory development
▪ Social skills and emotional intelligence
▪ Mindfulness and physical activities
▪ Innovative Approaches:
▪ Montessori Approach: Hands-on learning with materials that help develop motor
skills.
▪ STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math) activities for young
children.
▪ Cultural Integration: Teach Bangladeshi heritage through storytelling, traditional
music, and local crafts.
4. Staffing and Training
▪ Staffing Plan: Hire trained teachers with expertise in early childhood education,
child development, and safety.
▪ Continuous Training: Implement regular professional development programs for
staff to stay updated on the latest ECE practices.
5. Marketing and Community Engagement
▪ Community Outreach: Host parent meetings, workshops, and open houses to attract
potential customers.
▪ Social Media: Use platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and local forums to share
engaging content related to parenting and early childhood education.
▪ Word of Mouth: Encourage satisfied parents to spread the word about the school.
6. Financial Planning and Funding
▪ Setting up a nursery school requires a detailed financial plan to ensure sustainability
and growth.
▪ Budgeting: Estimate the costs for infrastructure, staff salaries, marketing, and materials.
▪ Revenue Streams: Charge reasonable tuition fees, offer additional enrichment programs
(e.g., after-school care, summer camps).
▪ Funding Sources: Government grants or subsidies for education, Crowdfunding
platforms, Private investors or partnerships with local businesses
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7. Risk Management and Contingency Planning
Setting up a nursery school involves several risks that must be planned for:
▪ Health & Safety: Ensure compliance with health and safety regulations. Have medical
supplies and first-aid training for staff.
▪ Financial Risks: Prepare for low enrollment in the early years by having a contingency
fund.
▪ Market Risks: Adapt the curriculum or services based on feedback from parents and
changing market demands.
8. Long-Term Vision and Growth
▪ Expansion: Over time, consider expanding to other locations in Bangladesh.
▪ Partnerships: Collaborate with local education boards, NGOs, and international
organizations to increase your impact.
▪ Innovative Programs: Offer specialized programs like special needs education, STEM
camps, or bilingual education to further differentiate your school.
Conclusion
As an undergraduate student with a passion for early childhood education, setting up a nursery
school in Bangladesh is a challenging yet achievable goal. With strategic planning, continuous
self-development, and a clear vision, I am confident that I will be able to create a nurturing
environment that positively influences the lives of children, contributing to the development of
Bangladesh’s future leaders.
