A certified teacher, a flagbearer of experiential learning and now a founder of a preschool, Sangeeta Choksi is a seasoned educator. With 32 years of exclusive experience in preschool education, Choksi is an advocate of collaborating with parents to give the young preschoolers a wholesome learning experience. 

“Back in the day, it was called Early Childhood Care and Education, which I pursued from Sophia Polytechnic College. As part of the one year course I interned at Saifee Nursery and Bombay International School. After which, I started working at Sunflower Nursery School where I continued until October 2024,” says Choksi, adding that the head of the school became her mentor and it has been a beautiful learning journey. Two months ago, she started the White House Preschool at Walkeshwar, which welcomes both children and parents. 

Choksi, who travels extensively, has over the years visited preschools across the globe to understand the culture, learning techniques and teaching practices that may be new or unfamiliar in Mumbai’s education scene. “I learnt a lot after visiting different preschools all over the world and came back with amazing thought processes,” says the Walkeshwar resident. Sharing examples of Japanese preschools, she explains that in many preschools in Japan, a principal's office does not exist!

“If you are teaching or a team member and if I am with my team, then you don't need a special place, which is sort of keeping you away from engaging with the team. So they don't have a principal's office, which is something I practise at my preschool too,” elucidates the 57-year-old.

Visiting numerous preschools across Europe where there’s a lot of appreciation for nature resonated with her. The emphasis on using recycled materials where practically anything can transform into a tool for play, resonated with her profoundly. “It's important to understand that it is not about dictating the process but presenting these materials in a way that allows children to explore their own creativity and follow their instincts. While gentle guidance is important, I believe that fostering independent thought is far more valuable than trying to control a child's thinking,” she shares.  

Throughout her travels, she found herself constantly reflecting on the experiences. “These are the elements I'd love to bring to the children and for a long time, I carried those ideas with me, until last year when the perfect opportunity arose. I discovered this beautiful sea-facing space (The White House School) and decided to create my own vision. I’ve drawn inspiration from every preschool I’ve encountered on my journey, the learnings from my experience as an educator of over three decades and have blended these to create something uniquely my own,” she explains. 

Choksi’s work has taught her that usually, educators are often shunned or they are hidden behind the big institution. “Yes, the institution is important but the institution is also existing because there are educators and there are children. So I have cultivated a sense of community and of a big family at the preschool and my focus is the children and the team.” It takes a village to provide the best to the students, so to speak. 

Emphasising on the need to develop skills from a young age, Choksi says that with parents moving children from one extracurricular activity class to another, they miss out on developing the skills. “I don’t blame the parents for doing this as we live in a concrete jungle and there’s only so much they can do for good exposure. But to develop a skill, you need some kind of permanence and continuity. And what better place than to start at school?” she questions.  

The visiting faculty and in-house team members regularly provide engaging sessions on western music, yoga, cultural music, multi-lingual storytelling, gymnastics, workshops, arts and crafts, and more. These engaging sessions involve not only the kids, but also parents and grandparents. Regular exposure to these sessions helps toddlers explore different activities and interests, and by the time they turn five, parents can better determine whether their child is interested in music, sports, or a creative pursuit. “So, if it's in the school system, it's easier because they are all working together,” she explains. 

Starting school, learning, and education can be challenging for both children and the parents. Choksi hopes that with her insights, global preschool elements and collaborative approach, the toddlers become engaged, open, and, most importantly, a happy group of tots.