The Creche Initiative plays a facilitative role in ensuring essential health and nutrition services for enrolled children through systematic tracking and coordination with public health systems.

Routine Immunization

Immunization is critical to protect children from preventable diseases. Each child’s immunization status is recorded and regularly updated in the Shishu Ghar app. Through Shishu Ghar MIS reports, due and missed immunizations are identified. Creche supevisors facilitate linkages with Anganwadi Centres (AWCs), ANMs, ASHAs, and public health facilities to ensure timely immunization. Caregivers and parents are informed and motivated to complete age-appropriate immunization schedules.

Deworming

Regular deworming is essential to reduce worm infestation and improve nutritional absorption. Creches track children eligible for deworming as per age norms. Deworming is enabled during national or state deworming days or through coordination with health functionaries (twice in a year).

As per the guidelines, albendazole is administered through the public health system as follows: Children aged 1–2 years: 200 mg (½ tablet); Children aged 2–19 years: 400 mg (1 tablet). The creche supervisor should ensure follow-up and proper record-keeping in the child’s card.

Vitamin A Supplementation

Vitamin A supplementation helps prevent childhood blindness and strengthens immunity. Creches maintain age-wise tracking of children eligible for Vitamin A doses. Supplementation is facilitated through routine immunization sessions and health drives. Creche teams coordinate with health workers to ensure no eligible child is missed.

Iron and Folic Acid (IFA) Supplementation

Iron and Folic Acid supplementation is essential to prevent anaemia and support healthy growth. Children aged 6–59 months are tracked for IFA supplementation as per national guidelines. Bi-weekly IFA (20 mg elemental iron + 100 mcg folic acid) is enabled through Anganwadi and health systems, usually in liquid syrup form with an auto-dispenser. Creche Supervisors ensure tracking, and follow-up with families and frontline health workers.

Enabling Take-Home Ration (THR)

Take-Home Ration (THR) is a key component of India’s nutrition strategy under ICDS/POSHAN Abhiyan, aimed at addressing malnutrition among young children and mothers. Creches support eligible children (6 months–3 years) in accessing THR through their respective AWCs. Creche supervisors counsel parents on regular consumption at home. Any gaps in supply or access are flagged to Anganwadi workers and supervisors for resolution. This ensures continuity of supplementary nutrition beyond creche hours.