This paper explores developing and implementing a large-scale pilot for a game-based assessment model called Hybrid web-app, designed to enhance early childhood education (ECE) in India. This progressive web app (PWA) delivers games and contextually relevant educational content and activities to young learners and their parents via WhatsApp. Learning on WhatsApp is often a fragmented experience; the Hybrid web-app models arguments by capturing detailed learning data through interactive assessments and progress tracking, providing a framework for personalization and adaptive learning to meet the learner’s needs regarding WhatsApp learning. The user-friendly interface and accessibility of WhatsApp ensure engagement across diverse devices, addressing common barriers such as limited internet connectivity and low digital literacy. We conducted two pilots featuring ten learning-based games across various geographical areas and engagement levels. Both pilots demonstrated a game completion rate with notable engagement improvements and increased participation. Initial results indicate high participation rates, though challenges remain in ensuring consistent activity completion. Key learnings include the effectiveness of digital games in reducing the fear of assessments, the importance of balancing play with data accuracy, and the benefits of integrating with familiar platforms for broader engagement. By focusing on personalization and contextual relevance, this approach demonstrates the potential to use WhatsApp to deliver quality ECE at scale. The discussion highlights this solution’s benefits, challenges, and future directions, emphasising its capacity to transform learning in developing contexts. Through this innovative use of technology, we aim to reach learners from low-income contexts with enhanced low-tech solutions.