Mapping Young Minds: The Neuroscience Behind Babilou Family Singapore's Revolutionary Education Model

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, /PRNewswire/ -- The foundation of a child's lifelong learning and well-being is built in the early years. Babilou Family Singapore (BFS) applies neuroscience-backed principles to early education, creating an environment where curiosity, emotional intelligence, and adaptability are nurtured. By integrating 20th-century educational theories with modern 21st-century research, BFS's Sustainable Education® framework empowers children with essential tools to thrive in an increasingly complex world.

Parenting as a Model for Education

As both a father and leader, CEO Benjamin Busse understands that active listening and understanding are fundamental for effective education and leadership. Drawing from his personal experiences as a parent, Busse emphasises the transformative power of being fully present and creating an environment of genuine connection. "At BFS, we strive to ensure every child and educator feels heard, valued, and empowered to grow," he explains. "When children feel secure and know that their opinions are valued, they naturally become engaged learners, and the same principle applies to our educators."

Research from Harvard University's Center on the Developing Child backs this philosophy. Studies show that secure attachment in early childhood lays the foundation for long-term cognitive and emotional development and overall well-being. This belief is reflected in BFS's approach to education, where child-led inquiry and teacher mentorship blend to create an enriching learning environment.

Sustainable Education®: Blending Neuroscience Research with Pedagogy

BFS's Sustainable Education® framework is the result of decades of educational evolution, merging classical pedagogies from early childhood theorists such as Jean Piaget and Lev Vygotsky with the latest breakthroughs in neuroscience. Studies confirm that early experiences shape neural pathways, influencing lifelong learning potential and capabilities. BFS's educational model is firmly rooted in cognitive science, with teaching methods that are adapted to how young minds learn best.

By leveraging extensive research into how children learn and what they need to develop and thrive, BFS continuously refines its curriculum to enhance learning outcomes and holistic development. Grounded in evidence-based methodologies, BFS's Sustainable Education® approach prioritises cognitive development, emotional well-being, and effective learning strategies.

Sustainable Education® is built on six fundamental principles: Physical Safety and Emotional Security, Natural Curiosity, Nature-Based Learning, Respecting Children's Natural Rhythms, Inclusion and Diversity, and Family Partnerships.

"Sustainable Education® focuses on long-term solutions for early childhood challenges, ensuring children have a strong foundation and the resources they need for the future," explains Rowena Ramos, Head of Curriculum at BFS. "Our role is to prepare children for a fast-changing world, and by embedding Sustainable Education® into our curriculum, we are equipping children with the skills and mindset to thrive while keeping up with the changing educational landscape."

Digital Well-Being and Sustainable Learning: Preparing Children for a Connected World

Recognising that society is advancing quickly into the digital age, science has shown us the importance and need for digital well-being. Young children learn best and make quality neuro-connections when they experience or learn using their senses, which screens, on the other hand, might not be able to offer.

BFS advocates screen-free activities that actively engage a child's creativity, curiosity, and social skills. Screens are only used in the classrooms for educational purposes (such as introducing new concepts) and with guidance. BFS carefully balances digital exposure with nature exploration, hands-on activities, and opportunities for social interaction to ensure that children have a well-rounded learning experience. "We help families strike a balance," says Ramos. "Children benefit most from hands-on, sensory experiences rather than passive screen time."

Nonetheless, digital opportunities are inadvertently shaping early childhood experiences. BFS's screen-free practices were affirmed when Singapore launched the Grow Well SG initiative. Recent guidelines released by the Ministry of Health recommend that children under 18 months not be exposed to screens, including background screen use, while older children should have limited exposure and only to interactive, high-quality content.

A Parent's Perspective: Learning Beyond the Classroom

For many parents, BFS's approach to education has been transformative. Dawn Koh, whose sons Josh and Jude have both attended KiddiWinkie Schoolhouse, shares her experience:

"Josh constantly looks forward to school. He tells us that he enjoys the company of his teachers and friends. When we interact with the staff, we can see why Josh thrives: they have an openness that allows each child to be uniquely themselves and inculcates discipline that helps the kids forge strong values. A child's enjoyment of learning is the most precious thing and the hardest to cultivate. We love that KiddiWinkie has provided an open and conducive environment for that to happen, and we couldn't ask for more!"

About Babilou Family Singapore

Babilou Family Singapore is a subsidiary of Babilou Family Group, a France-incorporated Early Childhood organisation with a network of more than 1,000 nurseries and a presence in 10 countries around the world. Babilou Family Singapore has now grown to 61 education and learning centres island-wide. This includes preschool brands KiddiWinkie Schoolhouse and Little Footprints Preschool, and student care brand Learning Leap.