Making Day Care Center a reality

Period:  July 2023 to March 2026

Geographical Area: 8 villages of Jhagadia Block, Bharuch district

Goal: Develop and demonstrate a sustainable model of Day Care Centers (DCCs) and advocate for their adoption as a valid strategy for child care and women’s empowerment among CSR stakeholders and the Women and Child Development Department.

Background: A 2023 feasibility study revealed strong community support for DCCs, recognizing their benefits for both mothers and children. As a result, ten DCCs were established. A research study is now comparing CHETNA’s DCCs with the traditional government Anganwadi model to provide evidence-based insights into their advantages for children and women’s economic participation.

Activities:

• Operational Guidelines: Comprehensive guidelines were developed to ensure the effective functioning of DCCs, which are run by trained personnel. These centers offer early childhood learning activities for at least three hours daily.
• Nutritional Support: Children receive three nutritious meals daily, providing an average of 14 grams of protein and 557 Kcal. Their nutritional status is monitored monthly.
• Parental Engagement: Monthly meetings are held with parents to increase participation, discuss their child’s growth, and raise awareness of child care, with a focus on school readiness.
• Health Monitoring: Regular health check-ups are conducted to ensure the well-being of the children.

Project Targets by Year Three:

• 25% improvement in the nutritional status of underweight children.
• 75% improvement in child development milestones.
• 25% increase in the income of mothers.
• Adoption of DCCs by industries.

Partners