From Almaty to America — and Back for the Children of Almaty
Svetlana Kolesnikova was born and raised in Almaty and has always been close to early childhood education. She studied Pedagogy, but what started as an academic path slowly became something much more personal — especially after becoming a mother.
Both of her children were born in the United States, and her first child attended preschool there. That experience opened her eyes to a very different way of working with children. The focus wasn’t on pushing kids to learn faster, but on really observing them, understanding their development, and using research-based approaches that respect each child’s pace.
Being part of that system showed her how the right early education can shape much more than school readiness. It builds confidence, emotional stability, and a healthy relationship with learning that stays with a child for life.
A turning point came when teachers noticed developmental delays in her child. Instead of seeing it as a problem, she saw it as a reason to learn more. She began studying early childhood development in depth — brain development, milestones from birth to age six, and proven ways to support children based on who they are, not who they’re expected to be.
Through this journey, she became deeply convinced that the early years are a child’s “golden brain” period. This is the time when the right environment, guidance, and stimulation can truly shape a child’s future. She also learned that there is no one right way for children to grow. Every child develops differently, and real progress happens when education is flexible, personalized, and based on understanding — not comparison.
Her approach to education is play-based and research-driven. Play isn’t something separate from learning — it is how children learn. Through play, children build curiosity,problem-solving skills, resilience, and inner motivation.
Opening a preschool in Almaty was both a professional step and a personal return home. It’s her way of bringing global experience and best practices back to the city where her own journey began. The school was created as a place where children are treated as individuals, parents are true partners, and learning happens with care, intention, and respect.
For the Founder, early childhood education is not about rushing children or chasing results. It’s about building strong foundations — not only academically, but emotionally and socially — so children grow into confident, independent learners who truly enjoy the process.