Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Why does the creche not support children above the age of 3?

Children above the age of 3 are supported by the Anganwadi system. Even in villages where Anganwadis are not functional, we do not enroll children aged 3-6, because the program is not operationally designed to support the needs of this age group. Children in this age group need well run pre-schools with established pedagogical methods and trained teachers. Our creches will not be able to provide this level of support.

Do we allow the presence of older siblings accompanying younger children?

Younger children, especially in the initial weeks after enrolling in a creche, are comforted by the presence of their older siblings till they settle down–a process that could range from a few days to a few weeks. Sometimes, they drop by before and after school and spend a few hours. While older siblings are in the creche, they should be provided nutrition and the daily egg, and caregivers have been asked to ensure this. While the creche is not designed for older children, and they are not formally enrolled, we must ensure than any child who shows up in our creche is provided nutrition for the day.

Do creche caregivers also eat at our creches?

Nutrition is important not just for children, but creche caregivers as well. We encourage creche caregivers to eat at the creche meals and the eggs prepared by themselves, unless they prefer to bring their own food from home (due to their personal preferences).

Isn't it important children continue to receive breast-milk?

A critical underlying cause of malnutrition in our country is the absence of timely initiation of complementary feeding after the child has turned 6 months. Our creches fill this very important gap. However, it's important that children continue receiving breast milk from their mothers until the age of two. Therefore, it is essential that our creches function as truly open community centres, where mothers can walk in and out as they please to breastfeed their children and spend time with them.

Can creche run with one caregiver?

Ensuring the safety and security of children is a top priority in all our creches. Therefore, a creche must not operate with only one caregiver under any circumstances. If one caregiver is on leave, the following arrangements should be made:

• A mother from the Creche Committee may support the remaining caregiver on a voluntary basis.
• An additional caregiver should be identified and trained in advance to manage such situations.