Closure/Shifting of Creche

A creche should be closed only under specific situations where children’s safety, health, or community consent cannot be guaranteed. Initiate closure by assessing reasons such as malfunctioning, low eligible children, or infrastructure issues. Need to discuss this first with CMC meeting and community meeting and then make a report including reasons, beneficiary impacts, and asset disposal plans. Conduct final audits of records (attendance, nutrition, health) and redistribute staff. Inform parents and local committees at least one month in advance, linking children to nearby creche if parents agreed.

When to Close a Creche Center

Health & Safety Reasons (Immediate Closure)

a. There is a serious illness outbreak (e.g., contagious disease as advised by health authorities) b. Unsafe conditions exist (fire, gas leak, structural damage, flooding)

Emergency Situations

a. Natural disasters (earthquake, flood) b. Local government declared emergencies c. Security threats in or near the facility

Facility & Infrastructure Issues

a. Building is unsafe or under major repair b. Fire safety equipment is missing or non-functional c. Kitchen or food preparation area is unsafe

Number of children less or community asked

a. After operating creches for a while if the number of eligible children is less then 10 or the average attdence is less then 5 we should reach out to community to discuss this challenge. b. We need to throughly disuss with community and anaylyse the next qurter's eligible data and then take a call. we need to keep all the minutes of the community meeting and decisions.

Process of Shifting

Select new sites ensuring the distance of travel for the caregivers should not be more than 1.5 Km in tribal, 3 km in rural and 5km in urban areas.
Access to land/buildings/water, and proximity to parents(e.g.,<1 km walkable).
Obtain local approvals, upgrade infrastructure, transfer records/assets, and re-enroll children seamlessly.

*Key Consideration for closure/shifting of creches *

The closure of creches should be last resort and not as a general practice.
Once the decision of closure is finalised with community consent, no new enrollemet should happen.
Inform caregivers in advance (3-4 months before the clsing month) for the closure.
Provide written notice to crèche caregivers stating closure date, end of contract/service, final settlement details (salary, pending dues), and redeployment options if applicable.
Inform local authorities (CDPO/DPO) via formal letter with parent/staff notification copies attached.
Map beneficiaries to new facilities, maintain growth charts/immunization records, and conduct parents' meetings for a smooth transition.
Involve local creche committees, PRIs, and independent agencies post-shift.
Organize a mandatory parents' meeting (document in Meeting Register) with crèche caregiver/supervisor facilitating discussion on transition plans, alternative options, and feedback; aim for 80%+ attendance and obtain signed resolutions/consents.
Follow up with home visits (by AWW/ASHA or crèche caregiver) for low-attendance families, and share growth charts/health records with the new facility upon parental consent.
Update MIS shishu ghar application.