Kai Early Years and Kai CIRCLE hosted the second edition of the Transforming the Early Years (TEY) Conference on 25th and 26th September 2026 at the Kai Early Years campus in Whitefield, Bengaluru. The two-day event brought together more than 120 educators and school leaders from international schools across India to discuss early childhood education, school leadership, classroom practices and educator well-being. The conference provided a platform for participants to exchange ideas, reflect on their experiences and explore approaches to making early learning more meaningful. It also recognised the contribution of educators and school leaders whose everyday decisions help shape children’s development and learning experiences.
Leaders Day Explores School Culture and Well-being
Held on 25th September, Leaders Day brought together school heads, founders, coordinators and other education leaders. Discussions focused on building supportive school cultures, strengthening relationships and understanding the emotional responsibilities associated with leadership.
Internationally recognised educator Gavin McCormack led a session on redefining school culture through connection. His discussion explored how trust, belonging and emotional safety influence the school environment. Jennifer Sait, Co-Founder and Director of Learning and Development at Kai Early Years and Kai CIRCLE, conducted a session titled The Invisible Work of Leadership, encouraging leaders to reflect on the emotional demands of their roles and the importance of personal well-being.
Participants also experienced the Kai Early Years campus, exploring how thoughtfully designed learning spaces can encourage curiosity, independence and engagement. Another workshop by Gavin McCormack, How the Brain Learns Best & The Precocity Paradox, examined the relationship between neuroscience, classroom practice and developmentally appropriate learning.
Educators Day Focuses on Practical Teaching Approaches
On 26th September, Educators Day placed early years teachers at the centre of discussions on classroom practice, professional learning and well-being. Gavin McCormack delivered the keynote address, Transforming the Early Years, highlighting the importance of emotional safety, trust and connection in children’s learning.
The programme included masterclasses addressing different aspects of early childhood education:
Playful Classrooms: Mrunal Shah explored how purposeful play can encourage curiosity, creativity and active participation
Educator Well-Being: Fatima Asghar discussed ways teachers can sustain their passion and manage the demands of their profession
Making Thinking Visible: Manju Nair examined how questioning, observation and documentation can help educators understand children’s thinking
These sessions offered practical perspectives on creating engaging learning environments while supporting the professional and personal development of educators.
TEY EDTalks Celebrates Educator Experiences
A key feature of the conference was TEY EDTalks, a storytelling platform that gave selected educators eight minutes each to share experiences and ideas that had influenced their work with children and families.
The initiative recognised that valuable insights can emerge from everyday classroom experiences, not only from established experts. The conference also featured the TEY Changemaker Award, which recognised educators making a difference to children and families through early childhood education.
Through these presentations and discussions, participants had opportunities to learn from one another and build professional connections beyond their own schools.
Encouraging Collaboration Across the Education Community
The participation of more than 120 educators and school leaders highlighted the importance of professional collaboration in early childhood education. Across both days, the conference explored how purposeful play, supportive leadership, reflective teaching and educator well-being can contribute to better learning experiences for children.
EducationNewsNetwork covers school initiatives and educational events that bring educators together to exchange ideas and discuss developments in teaching and learning. The TEY Conference offered one such opportunity for professionals to reflect on their practice and share approaches to supporting young learners.
Organised by Kai Early Years and Kai CIRCLE, the second edition of TEY continued its focus on recognising educators, strengthening leadership and encouraging continuous professional learning.
About the organisers
Kai Early Years is based in Whitefield, Bengaluru, and serves children from six months to six years. Its educational approach combines Montessori and the International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme. Kai CIRCLE, which stands for the Centre for Innovation, Research, Collaboration, Leadership and Empowerment, supports educators and educational leaders through professional learning, leadership development, collaboration and research-informed opportunities.
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