Child Engagement Activities at Creches

Principles of child engagement in Creches

1. Include every child: All activities should allow all children to take part in their own way. Caregivers should invite and encourage but not force any child to join an activity.
2. Keep children safe: Only clean, non-sharp, non-toxic, age-appropriate materials should be used in activities. Caregivers must watch children closely to prevent falls, fights, or choking and keep the play area free from dangerous objects. One caregiver needs to be with children at all the times.
3. Use of Play materials: Materials should be used according to the child’s age. Rattles should not be given to children but should be used by caregivers to get their attention. As per the approved list of play materials, all toys should be made available in each creche from the day of opening.
4. No fixed timetable: There should be no fixed time/time slot for giving these toys to children. Caregivers are free to give these materials to children anytime to engage children. It could be after breakfast / before lunch / after naptime. We should not be strict about play time in the creche, it should be flexible.
5. Caregiver and child interaction: The caregiver should keep materials ready, join in play, talk to children, and gently guide them. Caregivers should also actively participate in children’s playtime.
6. Free play: We should encourage caregivers and children to indulge in free play i.e. children can play freely with the materials.
7. Cultural relevance: Use of local language, songs, stories, and games that children and families know from their own community. We should encourage caregivers to use such rhymes and stories.

Other aspects-

1. Why Child Engagement Activities are Important?

• Keep children meaningfully occupied and reduce boredom or restlessness during creche hours.
• Support caregivers in managing all the children at a time.
• Children will enjoy these activities and feel happy.

2. Planning Activities

• Inclusiveness: Ensure all children including shy, malnourished, or children with mild disabilities can participate.
• Safety: Use clean, safe, non-sharp, non-toxic materials.
• Cultural relevance: Use local songs, stories, and games children can relate to.
• Balance: Include a mix of quiet & active, indoor & outdoor activities.

3. Role of the Creche Caregiver

• Keep materials clean
• Encourage participation: Give gentle encouragement, especially to shy or hesitant children.
• Supervise for safety: Be alerted to prevent falls, fights, or choking hazards.
• Promote inclusion: Try to include all the children but not force any child

4. Materials Needed (Low-cost / locally available)

• Balls, ropes, cardboard boxes.
• Local games like jumping in circle, make circle using chalk
• Safe, clean scrap cloth for swing

5. Hygiene and Safety in Activities

• Wash toys/materials regularly; sun-dry when possible.
• Avoid very small parts for children under three years to prevent choking.
• Keep activity areas clean and free of sharp or dangerous objects.
• Wash children’s and caregiver’s hands before and after messy play.

6. Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Giving all children the same material regardless of their age
• Using unsafe or unclean materials.
• Forcing participation, allow choice and flexibility.
• Overcrowding in limited play areas.
• Ignoring quieter children who may need more encouragement.