Under NEP 2020, Balvatika covers the 3-6 year age group. NEP 2020 envisions a five-year foundational stage: three years of ECCE (including Balvatika) followed by the first two years of primary school. This brings the 3-6 age group into the formal school system for the first time in India, typically through Anganwadi centres, Balwadis, Nurseries, or pre-primary school sections.

The POCSO Rules, 2020 require schools and institutions to prominently display information about child rights and reporting mechanisms, including contact details of the Special Juvenile Police Unit (SJPU) and Child Helpline 1098. The rules do not mandate sports counsellors, free meals, or weekly parent-teacher meetings — the focus is on child protection and easy access to support.