Every year, dozens of preschools across India participate in prestigious early education awards. These recognitions not only build credibility but also help parents identify trusted and high-quality learning centres for their children. But what really happens behind the scenes? How do jury members evaluate hundreds of preschools and choose the winners?

In this detailed guide, we step inside the jury room to uncover what award committees truly look for—especially when determining institutions like the best preschool in Indirapuram, the best preschool in Kanpur, or the best preschool in Lucknow.

1. The Evaluation Framework: What Jury Members Receive

Before onsite visits or virtual audits, jury members receive a structured dossier, which includes:

• School profile

• Infrastructure photos & videos

• Curriculum & activity plans

• Academic calendar

• Safety certificates

• Teacher qualifications

• Parent testimonials

• Inspection reports

Each preschool is scored across multiple categories that reflect global early childhood education (ECE) benchmarks.

2. Quality of Learning Environment

Award committees assess whether the preschool has a nurturing, child-centric atmosphere.

Key Parameters Reviewed

• Classroom design and child-safe furniture

• Learning corners (reading, sensory play, art, STEM, role play)

• Indoor & outdoor activity zones

• Noise-free, clutter-free spaces

• Age-appropriate toys and materials

• Environment that encourages curiosity and creativity

Preschools aiming to be the best preschool in Lucknow or other major cities often invest heavily in experiential learning zones—something judges highly appreciate.

3. Curriculum Depth & Learning Outcomes

Jury members examine how effectively the preschool delivers learning, not just what it teaches.

What Committees Look For

• A well-structured curriculum aligned with NEP 2020

• Activity-based learning approaches

• Phonics and early literacy programs

• Numeracy and logical thinking activities

• Sensory, motor, and cognitive development plans

• Documentation of progress (portfolio, worksheets, teacher notes)

• Assessment without pressure

Preschools that show measurable improvement in student learning outcomes rank significantly higher.

4. Safety and Security Standards

This is one of the most critical categories—and often the deciding factor in tight competitions.

Safety Elements Jury Reviews

• CCTV surveillance across key areas

• Visitor management systems

• Background verification of staff

• Emergency evacuation procedures

• First-aid trained staff

• Fire compliance certificates

• Secure pick-up and drop-off systems

• Sanitisation and hygiene routines

Parents today prefer institutions with high safety compliance, especially when choosing the best preschool in Kanpur or other big cities.

5. Teacher Qualifications & Training

Committees closely examine the professional competence of teachers.

Evaluation Includes

• Early childhood education (ECE) certifications

• Experience in preschool teaching

• Ongoing teacher training and workshops

• Classroom management skills

• Empathy, communication & child-handling ability

Award-winning preschools showcase dedicated teacher development programs—an important scoring factor.

6. Emotional Wellness & Child Happiness Index

Modern award committees go beyond academics to study emotional and social growth.

What They Assess

• Teacher-child interaction quality

• Positive discipline practices

• Inclusion of shy or slow-to-warm-up children

• Play-based stress-free environment

• Support for special needs children

• Parent feedback on child happiness

Many award panels now include psychologists to assess this domain.

7. Hygiene, Cleanliness & Sanitisation Audits

Post-pandemic, hygiene parameters carry increased weight.

Judges Look For

• Daily and weekly cleaning schedules

• Disinfected classrooms, toys, and surfaces

• Clean washrooms and handwashing stations

• Food hygiene standards

• Pest control records

• Ventilation & natural light adequacy

Preschools considered for the best play school in Lucknow title often maintain detailed hygiene logs—something that impresses evaluators.

8. Parent Engagement & Community Impact

Award committees know that great preschools don’t work in isolation—they partner with parents.

Scoring Criteria

• Parent orientation programs

• Transparent communication

• Cultural events & celebrations

• Community visits (farms, parks, fire station)

• Social responsibility programs

• Parent feedback surveys

High engagement levels demonstrate trust, transparency, and care—earning higher jury points.

Also Read: 

How To Start A Preschool Or Play School In India

9. Innovation in Early Childhood Education

This includes any unique approach that sets a preschool apart.

Examples Awarded Highly

• STEM-based activities

• Robotics for early years

• AI-enabled learning tools

• Nature-based learning

• Storytelling labs

• Bilingual learning environments

• Montessori + Play-way hybrid systems

Institutions with standout innovation often win category-based awards.

10. Overall Impact & Reputation

Finally, the jury looks at the preschool’s overall market reputation.

• Parent satisfaction rate

• Awards won previously

• Social media presence

• Review quality (Google, JustDial, Facebook)

• Community recognition

This final parameter helps the jury crown well-rounded, holistic institutions as winners.

Conclusion

Winning a preschool award is not just about beautiful classrooms—it’s about demonstrating consistent excellence in early childhood education. From robust safety systems to nurturing teachers and measurable learning impact, award committees analyse every detail.

Whether a preschool aims to be the best preschool in Indirapuram, the best preschool in Kanpur, or the best preschool in Lucknow, excellence must be visible, measurable, and child-centric.