Nursery Admission Checklist for 2027-28: A Guide for Thane Parents

Nursery admission can feel like a big project, especially if it is your first child. The good news is that a little planning makes it much calmer. This checklist walks you through what to do, and when, so you can choose the right preschool for 2027-28 without last-minute stress.

Step 1: Check your child's age

Most preschools place children by age, so start here.

• Find out how each school calculates age. Many use your child's age on a fixed date near the start of the academic year, and the cut-off date can differ between schools.
• At Cubs Gurukul, our Nursery programme is for children aged 2.5 to 3.5 years. Younger children usually start in Playgroup (1.8 to 2.5 years).
• If your child's birthday falls close to a cut-off, ask the school how they decide, and which group would suit your child's readiness.

Step 2: Know the timeline

In Maharashtra, most schools begin the academic year around June. Many preschools start taking enquiries and admissions several months earlier, so the months before that are a good time to plan.

A simple timeline:

• Now: shortlist two or three preschools near your home or office.
• Next few weeks: visit each one with your child.
• Before the term starts: complete the admission form and documents, and confirm your seat.

Timelines vary from school to school, so always ask each school for its own admission dates.

Step 3: Shortlist the right preschools

Think about what matters most to your family.

• Distance: in Thane traffic, a school close to home makes daily drop-offs far easier.
• Timings: do you need only school hours, or also day care afterwards?
• Approach: look for plenty of play, stories, art and movement, not just worksheets.
• Class size: smaller groups mean more individual attention.
• Safety and hygiene: secure entry, clean classrooms and washrooms.
• Values: does the school's approach match what you want for your child?

Step 4: Visit with your child

A visit tells you more than any brochure. Take your child along and watch how they react.

While you are there, notice:

• Do teachers speak warmly and at the child's level?
• Are the classrooms bright, clean and full of things to explore?
• Is there space to play and move?
• How does the school help new children settle in?

Ask about the daily routine, how the school communicates with parents, and what a typical day looks like for your child's age group.

Step 5: Keep your documents ready

Every school has its own list, so ask for it early. Schools commonly ask for:

• Your child's birth certificate
• Recent passport-size photographs of your child (and sometimes of the parents)
• Identity and address proof for the parents
• Your child's identity document, if the school asks for one
• Your child's vaccination record

Keep scanned copies on your phone as well. It saves time if a school asks for something at short notice.

Step 6: Get your child ready

The weeks before school begins are just as important as the paperwork.

• Talk about school positively, as an exciting new place with friends and toys.
• Slowly move towards a school-day routine for waking, meals and naps.
• Practise simple self-help skills, like washing hands and putting on shoes.
• Read picture books about going to school.

Our guide on preparing your toddler for preschool has more ideas for a confident start.

Step 7: Ask the right questions

Before you confirm, make sure you are clear about:

• Fees, payment schedule and what they include
• School timings and holidays
• Day care availability, if you need it
• The settling-in plan for the first few weeks
• Who to contact with questions during the day

A good school will be happy to answer all of these openly.

Nursery admissions at Cubs Gurukul

Cubs Gurukul is a preschool, day care and activity centre with two branches in Thane West, at Vasant Vihar and Samta Nagar, open Monday to Saturday from 8 am to 8 pm. Our Nursery programme focuses on early reading and literacy, curiosity and problem-solving, and building confidence and responsibility, with personal attention in small groups.

To start, send an admission enquiry, visit your nearest branch, or WhatsApp us on 90044 72021. We will be happy to show you around and help you choose the right programme for your child.