Bela Kotwani, founder CosmiKids shares her experience of over 25 years in the early childhood education and 5 essential parenting tips to develop a well rounded child.

Tell us a little about yourself and your wonderful journey of teaching pre-primary students?

I have taught in Arya Vidya Mandir for 21 years at all levels of early child education. I am fond of children and enjoy being around them. Children are innocent and look up to you, they believe in their teacher sometimes even more than their parents. Over the years often parents have come to me asking me to talk with their children firmly believing that their child would definitely listen to me, especially when they themselves have not managed to get across to their child. What keeps me going is their unconditional love.

Later on I handled the role of a Facilitator of the pre-primary section at Arya Vidya Mandir. I had to teach as well as manage the teaching staff; I was also in charge of all school events. In this role I learnt the skill of managing my staff and ensuring that they are happy. A strong believer in team work, me and my team of teachers all worked together as one happy family. I believe Happy Teachers make for Happy Kids. I want a school to be a fun place for kids and they should want to come every day with a smile on their face.

You moved from being a teacher to an entrepreneur?
How has the journey been?

I am also a puppeteer by profession; my partner Jayasree and I perform puppet shows for kids. I enjoy doing shows for kids as they really laugh their heart out.

After resigning from Arya Vidya Mandir I took a break for a year. I was evaluating my options in the education space and wanted to do something different from the prevalent schools. I felt the need of social and emotional development in schools. So when I was surfing the net for some ideas I stumbled upon Cosmikids USA, founded by Judy Julin. Me and my brother Rakesh Kotwani set up a Skype call and discussed how we can bring Cosmikids to India.

Judy Julin had developed this concept of Stations of Discovery which engage children in a fun way and helps children develop social, emotional and essential life skills. This struck a chord within me and my heart said “Bela, this is what will help kids develop and connect with their inner self or emotions.” Collaborating on my expertise in the preschool industry and Judy’s experience in the child care space we embarked on launching Cosmikids India based on the Resonant Learning Approach (RLA). RLA is a non-judgmental approach to teaching and caring. We all are unique and learn at our own pace. So we facilitate the kids to explore and learn the way he is comfortable learning.

What were some of the challenges that you faced and how did you manage them ?

The journey has been tough as the first year we launched our school in May, so we lost out on our June admissions for that academic year. We adapted and introduced Day care. Since Day Care was non seasonal, parents could enroll their children throughout the year. Soon we had few kids enrolled for day care and the ball started rolling.

In a few months’ time I got to know that I had an uterus cancer and need to undergo a surgery. I was worried about the school front as too how will my Center Directors and teachers manage, but they did a good job. They kept me posted of all that was happening on the school front. Luckily for me I had to undergo only 6 Radiations and no Chemo therapy, God has been kind and I am truly grateful,

Then we had got some enrollments for the November batch for play group and from then on it has increased in number every year. Parents were very happy with Cosmikids and we received good feedback and testimonials from parents.

Soon we expanded as we got an offer from Khar Gymkhana to manage their Toddlers Den which is actually a play zone for kids. After one year we got an offer to take over an existing preschool and day care called Kokatoo as the owner was migrating to US. So we did and started a branch of Cosmikids in Juhu. The next year a friend who had space offered us to start Cosmikids at her place in Hungry Minds (Toy and book Library n Play Zone) JB Nagar. So we started that as well.

Cosmikids is a Home away from Home for our kids be it preschool or day care. Our teachers and care givers are trained on our philosophy of overall development. We know every child is special for the parent and they are trusting Cosmikids with their precious ones, So we as a team ensure that the child is happy at our centre.

Over 20 years, anything you would like to share as tips with moms to nurture a healthy parenting relationship?

I would like to suggest –

1. Parents you are the role model for your child, he is watching you all the time, so behave in a way you would like your child to behave.
2. Spend quality time with your kids daily. Even if it is just half an hour, but that half an hour he should be your only focus
3. Read to your child, Bed time stories are a must. When parents are asked how they put their child to sleep? Some parents answer’s like giving them an ipad or iPhone of watches TV etc. to go to sleep, worries me a bit. So it’s a sincere request to please Read to your child
4. Please don’t compare your kids with your friends or neighbor’s child. He can sing / dance / play / read so well why can’t you? Each child is different some kids may be good at reading while other may be good at playing. Encourage them in what they are good at. Let’s tap their potential. If you have to compare him, compare him to his past performance and see the improvement
5. Every night before sleeping have a gratitude time with the family; let’s learn to be thankful for what we have. We can also share one good thing they have done for others during the day.