Preschool Education: Not a Bargain, But a Foundation

Preschool, though vital for early childhood development, is often viewed as less essential when compared to formal schooling. This perception leads many parents to become less mindful of the fee structure, with some even attempting to negotiate it.

We need to understand that Preschool education is far too important to be reduced to a negotiation over costs. As the Director of a premium preschool, Niño & Niña and an early childhood educator, I have met several parents who try to bargain on preschool fees. Ironically, the same parents pay standardized fees without hesitation when their children move to formal school. It’s disheartening to see how preschool education is often undervalued despite its undeniable importance.

Preschool lays the foundation for a child’s cognitive, social, emotional and behavioural growth. It is the stage where values, habits and learning patterns begin to form. Yet, many parents still view it as optional or less critical and this mindset needs to change.

Respect the beginning. Because it shapes everything that follows. It’s High Time We Recognize That Quality Early Education Deserves Respect, Commitment and Fair Compensation—Not Discounts

There are several reasons why preschools are often undervalued, leading parents to negotiate fees or overlook the importance of early education. However, this mindset needs a serious shift.

1. Perceived Importance

Many parents still see preschool as “just play” or simply a way to keep children occupied until formal school begins. They believe “real” education starts only in primary school. But in reality, a child’s brain develops most rapidly during the early years. This is when foundational life skills, emotional intelligence, and social behaviors are formed. Preschools are not daycares, they are structured, skill-building environments that shape the child’s future.

2. Lack of Awareness

Unlike formal schools, where parents are familiar with textbooks, exams and grades, preschools operate on research-backed curriculums that focus on cognitive, motor, emotional and social development. Unfortunately, many parents remain unaware of the depth and purpose of this structure. They often don’t realize that what may look like “play” is actually intentional and developmentally critical learning.

3. The Bargaining Culture

The informal tone of many preschools leads parents to believe that bargaining or making special demands is acceptable—even at the cost of disrupting carefully planned systems.

I recall one parent who insisted their child be placed in a specific classroom, without understanding our method of grouping based on age and teacher-child ratio. Such requests undermine trust in the school’s professional judgment. Ironically, the same parents wouldn’t dare question class placements in a formal school, there, the school’s systems and policies are generally respected without protest.

4. Misunderstanding Operational Costs

Preschools are often questioned about extra charges, like CCTV access, meals, or activity materials—based on the assumption that these are one-time or low-cost expenses.

One parent once asked, “Why are you charging for CCTV access? Isn’t it a one-time installation?”

Yes, the installation is one-time, but regular maintenance, data storage, electricity, and internet bandwidth costs are recurring. These services exist to ensure a child’s safety and comfort and maintaining them requires continued investment. 

In formal schools, these costs are embedded into the fee structure and rarely questioned. Preschools deserve the same understanding.

Preschool is not a warm-up act, it’s the first and most crucial chapter in a child’s educational journey. It deserves to be treated with the same seriousness and respect as formal schooling.

Let’s move beyond the mindset of discounts and begin valuing early education for what it truly is: the foundation of everything that follows.

–Jyoti Lekhwani

Director, Niño & Niña Preschool (Sector 130)