Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
INTERNSHIPS
Publications
Timeline
Generic

Lipika Kanekal

Bangalore

Summary

Dedicated early childhood professional with a strong passion for language development, literacy, and children's literature. Committed to creating intentional learning spaces that foster a sense of belonging and identity for every child, ensuring each child feels seen, heard, and loved. Over 8 years of experience in designing meaningful curricula and integrating emergent literacy and play into daily learning. Expertise includes leading teacher training sessions for more than 150 educators. This work is centered on building and guiding collaborative teams to create joyful, play-filled, and language-rich environments for both children and teachers.

Overview

10
10
years of professional experience

Work History

Early Years Lead and Curriculum Developer

Presenova Management Solutions
07.2023 - Current
  • Overseeing and designing the Early Years Curriculum for all nine branches of the Presidency Group of Schools.
  • Creating early literacy content with a strong focus on emergent reading, writing, and children's literature integration.
  • Designed and conducted training and professional development programmes for a team of over 150 educators and school leaders.
  • Conducted phonics, reading, and writing workshops for educators to enhance teaching strategies and improve literacy outcomes.
  • Collaborated with educators to enhance teaching methodologies, and elevate learning outcomes.
  • Mentored educators through classroom observations, constructive feedback, and ongoing support to enhance teaching practices.
  • Designed formative assessment tools aligned with curriculum goals to support and track teaching and learning processes.
  • Collaborated with educators to create inviting, purposeful, engaging, and inclusive learning environments.

Early Years Educator

Neev Early Years
07.2020 - 05.2023
  • Developed programmes aimed at promoting holistic child development, with a focus on foundational literacy, and enhancing language skills.
  • Designed individualised teaching plans and portfolios to cater to diverse learning needs and interests.
  • Facilitated in-person and virtual learning sessions using multimedia educational tools.
  • Designed engaging indoor and outdoor learning spaces to foster independence, curiosity, and a sense of ownership among students.
  • Conducted technology training sessions for teachers to integrate innovative practices into classrooms.

Executive Donor Relations

Foundation For Excellence
05.2017 - 06.2018
  • Prepared grant proposals, MOUs, and donor-specific reports to secure funding from individual and corporate donors.
  • Collaborated with corporate and individual partners to organise successful fundraising events, such as galas, and exhibitions.
  • Established and maintained relationships with potential donors to cultivate interest in, and support for, the organisation's mission.
  • Facilitated and coordinated meetings and workshops with corporate houses, and adopted scholars.

Teach For India Fellow

Teach For India
06.2015 - 04.2017
  • Boosted reading skills and comprehension of 58 students by an average of 1.5 years through engaging and effective teaching practices.
  • Built strong, trusting relationships with school authorities, children, parents, and local bodies, enabling the smooth adoption of technology and creative teaching methods that led to improved academic outcomes.
  • Used assessments and qualitative rubrics to track progress and tailor teaching to meet individual students' needs.
  • Organised cultural and sports events that brought the school community together, nurturing holistic growth, and joy in learning.
  • Led a successful fundraising campaign to improve school infrastructure, and provide better resources for students.

Education

MA - Education, Early Childhood Care and Education

Azim Premji University
01.2020

Bachelors of Commerce - undefined

Jain University
01.2015

Diploma - General Management: Marketing and Finance

Jain University
01.2015

Skills

  • Emergent Literacy & Language Development
  • Curriculum Design & Innovation
  • Teacher Training & Professional Development
  • Team Leadership & Management
  • Learning Environment Design
  • Children's Literature and Storytelling
  • Writer's Workshop
  • Research and Documentation

INTERNSHIPS

06/2023 - 07/2023

Research Associate- Nagaland Early Years Curriculum 

Azim Premji University | Bangalore

Collaborated with the Nagaland State Council of Education Research and Training to develop an Early Years Curriculum for the Early Childhood Care and Education program of the state.


06/2019 - 07/2019

Product Team Intern 

The Nudge Foundation | Bangalore

Supported and worked on the planning and development of an English language product for final year degree students in low-income colleges. I was also involved with college research and identification and the initial onboarding of colleges.


12/2018 - 01/2019

Professional Development Intern

ArtSparks Foundation | Bangalore

Lent my support to the EdArtSparks' professional development program - EdSparksCollective and actively documented sessions and created regular reports. I was also involved in field visits to the ArtSparks Creative Learning Labs at government schools in Bangalore.

Publications

Kanekal, Lipika, Varied Trends of Home-schooling in Bangalore, 2020


Timeline

Early Years Lead and Curriculum Developer

Presenova Management Solutions
07.2023 - Current

Early Years Educator

Neev Early Years
07.2020 - 05.2023

Executive Donor Relations

Foundation For Excellence
05.2017 - 06.2018

Teach For India Fellow

Teach For India
06.2015 - 04.2017

Bachelors of Commerce - undefined

Jain University

Diploma - General Management: Marketing and Finance

Jain University

MA - Education, Early Childhood Care and Education

Azim Premji University
Lipika Kanekal