National | July 22, 2026: EuroKids Preschool, India’s leading preschool brand, today announced the launch of Junior PlayGroup, a first-of-its-kind structured early learning programme designed exclusively for children aged 18-24 months. Built around a specialised curriculum, expert educators and safe learning environments, the programme has been created to support one of the most important stages of child development.
Traditionally, structured preschool education in India begins around the age of two-and-a-half or three. Junior PlayGroup bridges this gap by creating an age-appropriate learning environment that supports children’s developmental milestones. Rather than introducing academics earlier, it focuses on nurturing communication, movement, curiosity, emotional security and cognitive development through engaging, development-focused experiences.
Designed to meet the evolving needs of today’s parents, Junior PlayGroup offers a safe and nurturing environment where children can confidently begin their learning journey while staying meaningfully engaged through the day. It also provides families with a science-backed approach that encourages social interaction, reduces screen dependence and supports age-appropriate development through structured early learning experiences.
KVS Seshasai, CEO, Pre-K Division, Lighthouse Learning (EuroKids), said, “For too long, early childhood education has been viewed as something that begins when a child enters preschool. But science tells us that learning begins much earlier. The first two years of life are a period of extraordinary brain development, laying the foundation for communication, curiosity, confidence and emotional wellbeing.
With Junior PlayGroup, we are addressing an important gap in India’s early learning ecosystem by creating a research-informed programme designed specifically for young children. Whether it is working parents looking for a safe and nurturing environment where their child can confidently begin their learning journey, or families seeking a science-backed programme that supports healthy development, social interaction and curiosity, our goal is to give every child the right environment to explore, interact and develop the foundational skills that shape lifelong learning.”
At the heart of Junior PlayGroup is a progressive 30-week curriculum featuring 150 curated learning experiences that evolve with each child’s developmental journey. Every 90-minute session blends sensory exploration, movement, storytelling, communication, practical life experiences and creative activities to build foundational skills across four key developmental pillars – routine and regulation, communication, brain development, and exploration and curiosity. The programme is delivered by specialised early childhood educators at a 1:6 teacher child ratio, with every facilitator trained in toddler development, age-appropriate pedagogy, classroom execution and safety. Children also benefit from learning in TÜV Nord-certified centres that provide a secure and nurturing environment.
The launch comes amid growing demand for structured developmental experiences before traditional preschool begins. Reflecting this shift, EuroKids receives thousands of enquiries every month from parents looking for structured programmes for children in this age group, highlighting the growing need for dedicated early learning programmes.
Launching across more than 2,000 EuroKids centres nationwide, Junior PlayGroup has 450 unique learning experiences to lay the appropriate foundation for any child’s education journey. Admissions are now open across participating centres, with classes commencing from 20 July 2026. Parents can contact their nearest EuroKids centre for programme details and enrolment.
About EuroKids Preschool:
EuroKids, India’s Leading Preschool Brand, has revolutionised early childhood education for over 25 years, nurturing more than 1,000,000 students across 2,000+ preschools in 550 cities and three countries. With the launch of its latest 8th curriculum, ‘Heureka’, EuroKids introduces the Visible Thinking Curriculum, based on Harvard University’s Project Zero and aligned with NEP 2020. Heureka empowers children with critical and creative thinking skills through 20 structured Thinking Routines, nurturing holistic growth across Emotional, Physical, Intellectual, Creative, and Spiritual dimensions. Supported by the Buddy’s World app, which supports balanced cognitive development, EuroKids remains at the forefront of early childhood education, helping children develop essential life skills. Its successful franchise model also enables aspiring entrepreneurs to thrive in the education sector, expanding access to quality education.
The Group:
Lighthouse Learning Group, formerly known as EuroKids International, is India’s leading Early Childhood & K-12 Education group, backed by global investment firm KKR. Driven by its purpose to unlock human potential by igniting the love for learning through its institutions, which include leading brands like EuroKids Preschool, Kangaroo Kids Preschool, EuroSchool, Billabong High International, Centre Point Group of Schools, Heritage International Xperiential School, Heritage Xperiential Learning School and Finland International School Maldives. Nurturing over 200,000 students every day, Lighthouse Learning emphasises a ‘Child First’ philosophy, innovative pedagogy, and child safety. With 2,000 Preschools and 60 K-12 Schools, it empowers 1,850 women entrepreneurs and employs a direct and indirect workforce of over 25,000 people.
