Navigating the transition to preschool: Understanding the experience of parents in urban india

Title

Navigating the transition to preschool: Understanding the experience of parents in urban india

Creator

Pattathil, Lakshmi G.; Neelakantan, Meera S.

Description

This qualitative study explores the experiences of parents in urban india as they navigate the process of selecting a preschool for their children, particularly in light of the challenges presented by the COVID-19 pandemic, which started in March 2020. In this study, preschool refers to formal early childhood education programs for children before entering primary school (typically serving children aged 35). This research examines the factors influencing parental decision-making, including the perceived importance of play-based learning, health and safety protocols, school proximity, and teacher qualifications. The study also explores the range of parental emotions experienced during this transition, from anxiety to excitement, as their children begin their preschool education. Using narrative analysis, the study involved interviews with 12 parents of children aged 37 who had recently enrolled their children in preschool. The findings highlight the significant influence of childrens perceived responses to the preschool environment on parental satisfaction and subsequent decision-making. The COVID-19 pandemic emerged as a key contextual factor shaping both the transition process and preschool selection criteria. This research highlights the active role parents play in seeking enriching early learning environments for their children. It also suggests the need for educational policymakers to support high-quality preschool education, particularly by fostering effective parental engagement, to facilitate smoother transitions for families and bridge the gap between quantitative educational targets and the qualitative dimensions of parental experience. The Author(s) 2026

Source

Journal of Early Childhood Research;

Date

01-01-2026

Publisher

SAGE Publications Ltd

Subject

early childhood education; India; preschool transition; urban living parents

Coverage

Pattathil L.G., CHRIST (Deemed to be University), Bengaluru, India; Neelakantan M.S., CHRIST (Deemed to be University), Bengaluru, India

Rights

Restricted Access; Hardcopy may be available in the library

Relation

ISSN: 1476718X;

Format

online

Language

English

Type

Article

Identifier

https://doi.org/10.1177/1476718X261417797

https://www.scopus.com/pages/publications/105029545345?origin=resultslist