Bengaluru preschools in a dilemma about reopening

-Reshma Ravishanker

Even as the state government has announced the reopening of schools across Karnataka from January 31, a majority of preschools are in a dilemma over commencing in-person classes or continuing online classes.

In one of its previous order during the second wave, the state government had, in a phased manner, announced the reopening of in-person classes in schools as the wave subsided. This had a specific mention regarding the pre-schools and anganwadis. However, with no such discretion made in the most recent order issued on January 27, regarding the commencement of on-campus classes as the third wave subsides; preschools are caught unaware of what needs to be done.

“My daughter is in nursery school. I want her to attend school because she is missing her friends and all the fun activities. But the playschool says there is no clarity yet on reopening,” rued Sumana Nagesh, one of the parents. Several others like her, willing to send their children back to school are awaiting clarity.

While some playschools in Bengaluru have commenced offline classes in small groups, most others are seeking clarity.

“I have requested our Block Education Officer for clarity on the matter as no specific guidelines have been issued for preschools yet. We have plenty of parents calling to seek clarity as well,” said Renuka Nair, founder, Fun N Learn preschool.

Nair also questioned why schools had to be shut time and again, creating confusion. “We know that children are the least affected. The ones, especially, the age groups we deal with suffer without enough social skills. This is unfair for the children,” she expressed.

Similarly, other preschools as well await clarity from the education department. “I read the government order which says ‘all schools’. However, my team and I are still in discussion on whether or not it is to be presumed that the order applies even for preschools. More than 50 % of our parents, particularly those from the nursery sections, are willing to send their children. They have been calling us to enquire,” said Ritu Handa, director, Maple Bear, RMV Stage 2.   

However, in a revised circular issued late on Monday, the commissioner of the department of public instruction said that in-person classes for all preschoolers, LKG and UKG can also commence as there has been a decline in cases.