The CQ-ECCE Ranking System evaluates preschools/ Dyacare based on quality standards aligned with NEP 2020 and global ECCE best practices. This guide helps institutions prepare for ranking by ensuring compliance with CQ-ECCE criteria.
Explore the CQ-ECCE National Reputation Rankings 2025, highlighting the most prestigious institutions excelling in Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) across India. This year, we have evaluated 30,000+ institutions nationwide, using a revamped methodology to provide deeper insights into reputation and quality standards in ECCE.
Leading institutions setting new benchmarks in quality early education and child development
New voter diversity measure, recognizing institutions that receive broad recognition for their innovative teaching and research in ECCE
Top-ranking institutions from various cities & states, showcasing their leadership in early learning methodologies
Reputation builds trust and credibility in early childhood education. The CQ-ECCE National Reputation Rankings recognize institutions that are shaping the future of early education through research, innovative teaching, and best practices aligned with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 and CQ-ECCE standards.
India’s largest invitation-only academic opinion survey, gathering insights from top educators and ECCE experts worldwide.
New pairwise comparison measure, allowing for a broader and fairer evaluation of institutions
New voter diversity metric, rewarding institutions that receive recognition from diverse states and subject areas
Discover the top-ranked ECCE institutions and see how they are leading the way in shaping the future of early childhood education in India.
1️⃣ Enhanced Credibility & Reputation – Gain national recognition as a high-quality ECCE institution.
2️⃣ Parental Trust & Confidence – Parents prefer accredited preschools with recognized quality standards.
3️⃣ Competitive Edge – Stand out among preschools by showcasing superior educational practices.
4️⃣ Access to Training & Development – Exclusive participation in teacher training and professional development programs.
5️⃣ Continuous Quality Improvement – Regular assessments help maintain and improve educational excellence.
6️⃣ Global Networking & Collaboration – Opportunities to connect with other high-ranking institutions and education leaders.
7️⃣Recognition from CQ-ECCE – Receive official validation from the Confederation for Quality in Early Childhood Care and Education (CQ-ECCE) and reinforcing your institution’s commitment to excellence in early childhood education..
Register Online: Submit an application with your preschool’s details.
Self-Assessment Report: Fill out a questionnaire covering curriculum, infrastructure, safety, teacher qualifications, and learning environment.
ranks preschools based on 13 key pillars, each scored out of 100. These pillars align with NEP 2020 and global ECCE best practices, providing a comprehensive quality audit:
1. Infrastructure & Facilities (100)
This pillar assesses the quality, safety, and child-friendliness of the physical environment.
✅ Availability of safe, vibrant classrooms
✅ Child-appropriate furniture and learning corners
✅ Clean restrooms, drinking water, and meal areas
✅ Secure entry/exit points and emergency exits
✅ Age-appropriate indoor and outdoor play areas
✅ Inclusive infrastructure for children with special needs
High-scoring institutions ensure a stimulating, hygienic, and well-maintained environment that encourages exploration and learning.
2. Parental Involvement (100)
This evaluates the institution’s efforts to involve parents as key stakeholders in the learning process.
✅ Regular parent-teacher meetings
✅ Workshops and awareness programs for parents
✅ Transparent communication channels (newsletters, apps)
✅ Involvement in celebrations, open days, and decision-making
Best practices include fostering a strong school-home partnership to support the child’s development.
3. Competence of Teachers (100)
This examines the qualifications, training, and teaching effectiveness of educators.
✅ ECCE-certified qualifications
✅ Language proficiency and child engagement techniques
✅ Emotional sensitivity and developmentally appropriate practices
✅ Participation in regular training and performance reviews
Top preschools employ passionate, trained educators who follow child-centric approaches.
4. Holistic Development (100)
This measures support for overall development — cognitive, physical, emotional, and social.
✅ Play-based and experiential learning
✅ Activities promoting curiosity, imagination, and collaboration
✅ Support for emotional intelligence and resilience
✅ Equal emphasis on academic and life skills
Exemplary schools provide a balanced approach to foster well-rounded children.
5. Sports Education (100)
Assesses the emphasis placed on physical education and motor skills.
✅ Daily physical activities and games
✅ Trained sports instructors
✅ Use of structured programs to develop coordination, balance, and teamwork
✅ Events like sports day and inter-school activities
High-ranking schools prioritize active lifestyles from an early age.
6. Co-curricular Activities (100)
Evaluates the variety and richness of non-academic offerings.
✅ Art, music, dance, drama integrated into curriculum
✅ Opportunities to participate in competitions and exhibitions
✅ Nurturing creativity, confidence, and expression
Leading preschools recognize the importance of creative and cultural exposure.
7. Safety & Hygiene (100)
This pillar focuses on how well the institution safeguards children’s physical health and security.
✅ Trained staff in first aid and child protection
✅ Cleanliness and sanitization routines
✅ Background-verified staff and CCTV monitoring
✅ Fire drills, emergency preparedness plans
Best-in-class schools have strict hygiene protocols and child safety policies in place.
8. Value for Money (100)
Assesses whether the services offered are worth the fees charged.
✅ Transparent fee structure
✅ Quality of facilities and learning environment vs cost
✅ Access to resources, extracurriculars, and learning tools
✅ Parent satisfaction with outcomes
Great preschools balance affordability with high standards.
9. Teachers’ Welfare & Development (100)
This evaluates the institution’s investment in its educators’ well-being and professional growth.
✅ Timely compensation, job stability, and recognition
✅ Mentoring, training workshops, and career growth
✅ Healthy work culture and emotional support
Top-rated institutions understand that empowered teachers create empowered learners.
10. Sustainable Development (100)
Assesses the school’s efforts towards environmental responsibility.
✅ Use of eco-friendly materials and practices
✅ Energy and water conservation initiatives
✅ Green learning programs for students
✅ Waste segregation and recycling systems
Progressive schools inculcate a sense of sustainability among staff and students alike.
11. Leadership & Management Quality (100)
Reviews the vision, governance, and operational excellence
✅ Clear institutional goals aligned with NEP 2020
✅ Strong leadership and transparent administration
✅ Stakeholder feedback mechanisms
✅ Consistency in monitoring and evaluation
Successful preschools are driven by visionary leaders and structured management systems.
12. Special Needs Education (100)
Assesses inclusion and support provided to children with disabilities or learning difficulties.
✅ Trained special educators and inclusive curriculum
✅ Sensory-friendly infrastructure
✅ Early detection and intervention systems
✅ Collaboration with parents and therapists
Inclusive institutions ensure that every child thrives, regardless of ability.
13. Curriculum & Pedagogy (100)
Evaluates the relevance, inclusivity, and innovativeness of the curriculum.
✅ NEP 2020-aligned, child-centric curriculum
✅ Emphasis on experiential and play-based learning
✅ Personalized instruction and continuous assessments
✅ Integration of values, life skills, and foundational literacy/numeracy
High-performing preschools offer holistic, research-backed learning approaches tailored to young minds.
Each parameter is rigorously assessed using CQ-ECCE’s expert-led evaluation framework. Institutions will receive:
📋 A detailed report with strengths, improvement areas, and individual scores
📊 A ranking at local, city, state, and national levels
🏆 A chance to be featured in the India early childhood excellence index 2025