"Is storing data with AI safe? ”
When we talk about children’s data and safety, the key consideration isn’t the AI itself — it’s how and where the information is stored, and the safeguards in place to prevent anyone from accessing or misusing it. That’s a storage and cybersecurity matter, not an AI feature.
Mana is currently the ONLY provider in the early childhood sector with an independently certified SOC 2 cybersecurity attestation. This means our systems have been externally audited to meet strict international security standards, giving us a higher level of assurance against data misuse or leaks.
"But won't AI de-skill educators?”
You might have seen general tools like ChatGPT in the news — those aren’t built for early childhood education. Because they don’t have enough context, they can sometimes make things up (hallucination), even about children, which is obviously not okay.
But that’s a problem with the way those particular tools are designed — not with AI as a whole. AI is already a part of our everyday lives, even in simple things like the autocorrect on your phone.
The difference with the tools we use is that they’re designed specifically for ECE. They only step in when there’s enough relevant information to be accurate, and they work alongside our educators — using coaching prompts to help them reflect, deepen their insights, and improve their practice. They’re not replacing educators, they’re supporting them.”
“But AI is not their authentic voice - it doesn't reflect their own words.”
Having help with writing is nothing new — most world leaders have speechwriters, authors often work with ghostwriters, and even executives rely on graduates or assistants to draft reports and correspondence.
That’s a lot like how AI can work for educators. The educator has the knowledge, insight, and understanding of the child. The AI simply helps them express those ideas clearly and professionally. The educator is responsible for owning and editing these final words.
It’s not replacing their judgement or their voice — it’s supporting them, like a trusted co-writer, so they can spend more time focused on the children and less time on perfecting the wording
“But won’t they lose the ability to write learning stories truly on their own?”
There was a time when used to navigate by the stars. Now, we use GPS. We used to do did long division by hand. Now we use calculators. Similar workload shifts have occurred in the past.
These shifts aren't about taking shortcuts — rather about progress. It means we can spend less time on the mechanics, and more time on what really matters.
For educators, that means focusing on thinking, reflecting, and spending meaningful time with children — not getting caught up in perfecting every sentence.
And for parents, it’s worth knowing just how much time documentation can take away from our presence with the children. The right tools help lighten that load, so educators can give more of their energy and attention to what truly counts — the children themselves.