India Sets Quality Benchmarks for ECCE with 2025 index launch

New Delhi [India], May 15: In a significant leap toward elevating the standard of early childhood education in India, the Association of Indian Principals (AIP) and the Confederation for Quality in Early Childhood Care & Education (CQ-ECCE) jointly launched the India Early Childhood Excellence Index 2025.

The initiative has already seen an overwhelming response, with 30,000+ preschools and daycares across India nominating themselves for this transformative movement—making it the largest nationwide quality participation campaign in the history of early education in India.

This prestigious index will evaluate, recognize, and empower India’s best early learning institutions—setting a new national benchmark for joyful, inclusive, and developmentally appropriate learning environments for children aged 0–5.

The Vision: Laying Strong Foundations for the Future

Aligned with National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 and UN Sustainable Development Goal 4.2, the India ECCE Index 2025 is a mission-driven effort to improve quality, accountability, and accessibility in early childhood education across urban, semi-urban, and rural India.

The framework will highlight institutions that go beyond infrastructure to deliver child-centric, emotionally nurturing, and cognitively enriching experiences during the most crucial developmental years.

A 13-Parameter Scientific Framework for Evaluation Preschools and daycares will be assessed across 13 critical parameters:

• Infrastructure & Facilities – Child-friendly, safe, clean, and engaging learning spaces.
• Parental Involvement – Two-way engagement and active participation in child development.
• Competence of Teachers & Caregivers – Qualified and trained educators responsive to young learners.
• Holistic Development – Focusing on emotional, cognitive, social, and physical growth.
• Sports Education – Programs that build gross motor skills and physical well-being.
• Co-curricular Activities – Music, arts, storytelling, drama, and experiential learning.
• Safety & Hygiene – Strong child protection policies, health protocols, and emergency readiness.
• Value for Money – Transparent, fair pricing with quality assurance.
• Teacher Welfare & Development – Ongoing training, support, and well-being of staff.
• Sustainable Development Practices – Eco-friendly practices and green education.
• Leadership & Management Quality – Visionary leadership and systemic excellence.
• Special Needs Education – Inclusion practices and access to professional support.
• Curriculum & Pedagogy – NEP-aligned, play-based and age-appropriate teaching models.

A Global Movement with Indian Roots

Backed by AIP’s international leadership network spanning over 50 countries, the index blends global best practices with India’s unique challenges to create a contextual, impactful framework that can uplift Indian ECCE institutions to global standards.

“In a world where early childhood defines life-long success, this index promises to make quality, care, and inclusivity non-negotiable standards in every preschool and daycare across the country. Our aim is to make quality visible,” said Dalip Sharma, Executive Chairman, AIP.

“The India Early Childhood Excellence Index 2025 is not just about recognition—it is about setting a national benchmark. From metros to rural blocks, every preschool deserves a fair chance to shine and grow,” said Anubhavv Arora, Executive Chairman, Confederation for Quality in Early Childhood Care & Education, CQ-ECCE.

As part of the next phase, CQ-ECCE and AIP have launched Centers for Excellence in Early Years in key cities across India to host seminars, training workshops, and policy dialogues. These hubs will serve as catalysts for innovation and improvement in foundational education.

All institutions that meet basic quality criteria will be featured in the India Preschool & Daycare Excellence Report 2025, a special edition of the AIP Edge magazine scheduled for July 2025.

???? Nominate Now: https://cq-ecce.org/nomination/

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Let’s build a future where every child—regardless of background—gets a strong, joyful start to learning and life.

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