To redefine early education by honouring the whole child - mind, body, and to redefine early childhood education by offering a learning journey that honours the whole child mind, heart, and body through the wisdom of nature and research-based practices, where every child’s curiosity, potential, and individuality are celebrated. spirit - in harmony with nature and research-based practice.
We strive to bring this vision to life by creating a vibrant ecosystem where learning is joyful, meaningful, and inspiring. Through guided exploration led by expert teachers, hands-on experiences, literacy, language, math, and science activities, and immersive outdoor engagement, our children develop curiosity, confidence, compassion, and a lifelong love of learning. Our approach is screen-free, allowing children to fully engage with their environment, peers, and ideas, while fostering focus, creativity, and social-emotional growth. By partnering closely with families and nurturing every child with care and intention, we prepare them to grow into self-directed learners and thoughtful, responsible citizens of the world.
At The Bambini Creek, every child is cherished, celebrated, and encouraged to discover their own unique rhythm of learning. Our preschool is a place where the wonders of nature meet the strength of research, creating a joyful, nurturing environment where children feel truly at home.
We believe in nurturing the whole child-building not just strong minds, but also kind hearts, adaptable spirits, and resilient little humans. Our carefully balanced approach combines thoughtfully designed classrooms with expansive outdoor experiences, giving children the freedom to explore, imagine, and grow.
Drawing inspiration from global best practices, our American program lays the foundations for literacy, early numeracy, language, and discovery skills, while igniting curiosity, problem-solving, and creative thinking.
With small student–teacher ratios, a screen-free environment, and educators trained to see every child for who they are, we cultivate confidence, empathy, and a lifelong love of learning that flows far beyond the preschool years.
Drawing inspiration from global best practices, our American program lays the foundations for literacy, early numeracy, language, and discovery skills, while igniting curiosity, problem-solving, and creative thinking. With small student–teacher ratios, a screen-free environment, and educators trained to see every child for who they are, we cultivate confidence, empathy, and a lifelong love of learning that flows far beyond the preschool years.
Umme Salma is the Founder and Director of The Bambini Creek and the Founder of EdPodium. She also serves as an Adjunct Professor at Notre Dame de Namur University in California. Originally from Hyderabad, Umme holds a Bachelor’s degree in Child Psychology and a Master’s degree in Educational Administration from Santa Clara University, California. Her specialization in Early Childhood Education was shaped by advanced training at Bing Nursery School, Stanford University, where she deepened her expertise in research-based and child-centered pedagogy.With over two decades of experience as an educator, administrator, and trainer in both the United States and India, Umme has dedicated her career to advancing high-quality early childhood education. Her work is anchored in brain-based research that underscores the extraordinary growth and plasticity of the brain in the first six years of life. She is committed to ensuring these formative years are approached with deliberate care and purpose cultivating not only physical, social, and emotional development but also strengthening the cognitive foundations that shape lifelong learning. At The Bambini Creek, Umme’s vision comes to life through thoughtfully designed environments and research-driven practices that celebrate childhood while laying strong developmental foundations. Beyond her work with children, she is a strong advocate for teacher development, pioneering collaborations with global universities to bring best practices in early learning and educator training to India.
We will empower children to develop:
Deep emotional intelligence to understand themselves and connect meaningfully with others
And just as importantly, we believe in walking hand-in-hand with parents.
One of my strongest convictions is that when parents and educators partner meaningfully, children flourish. At Bambini Creek, families aren’t just welcomed, they are essential to the journey. We honour parents as a child’s first teachers, and together, we co-create an environment of trust, continuity, and care, both at school and at home.
It’s taken years of learning, listening, and dreaming. And now, it’s real.
With immense joy and a heart full of gratitude, I’m proud to announce the launch of Bambini Creek.
Umme Salma, Founder and Director
At The Bambini Creek, we believe every child’s learning journey is unique. Our curriculum blends Reggio Emilia, Waldorf, and play-based approaches with American foundational practices that emphasize literacy, language development, and a love of reading. This thoughtful integration creates a holistic education that honors the whole child mind, heart, and body while laying strong foundations in communication, comprehension, numeracy, and conceptual understanding.
We follow Developmentally Appropriate Practice (DAP) and Universal Design for Learning (UDL), curating each program to match children’s age, milestones, and needs. As children progress through grade levels, they are closely monitored and guided, with increasingly complex and challenging elements added to the curriculum framework ensuring that learning remains engaging, meaningful, and suited to their stage of development. For example, younger children may explore sounds, letters, and numbers through play, while older ones advance into early reading, comprehension, problem-solving, and abstract thinking.
Reggio-inspired environments spark exploration, imagination, independence, and self-expression through hands-on learning and discovery. Waldorf principles infuse rhythm, creativity, and storytelling, nurturing curiosity, wonder, and a deep love of learning. Guided by an emergent, child-led curriculum, children follow their interests while developing essential skills in literacy, numeracy, and problem-solving. With strong roots in the American approach, we help children not only become confident readers and effective communicators but also build a solid foundation for academic growth and lifelong learning.
Education here goes beyond academics. Character, emotional intelligence, and social connection form the core of our philosophy. Values of kindness, respect, resilience, and adaptability are woven into daily life, helping children learn how to think critically, collaborate with empathy, and contribute meaningfully to their communities.
At The Bambini Creek, we nurture lifelong learners-curious, confident, and compassionate who grow with strong roots and open wings. Every experience is designed to inspire, ensuring that children carry forward not just knowledge, but a genuine love for learning that guides them throughout life.
Bambini Nature Club extends the philosophy of The Bambini Creek beyond the school day, offering after-school camps and activities for children ages 2 to 6. Rooted in our nature-rich environment, with its creek, trees, boulders, animals, and thoughtfully designed spaces, the Club provides curated experiences that nurture the whole child in joyful, meaningful ways.
