Project at a glance
Supported by
Azim Premji Foundation
Location
Simdega Block, Simdega District
Jharkhand
Children
Aged 7 months to 3 years
Coverage
20 Shishu Ghars
7 Panchayats · 14 villages (as of September 2026)
About the initiative
Bringing quality childcare closer to the community
The Rural Creche Initiative of Chotanagpur Kalyan Niketan (CKN) is a community-based childcare and early childhood development programme in Simdega Block of Simdega District, Jharkhand. Through 20 operational community-based creches, known as Shishu Ghars, it covers 7 Panchayats and 14 villages.
For families in rural and tribal communities, reliable childcare can be a significant challenge. Many parents, particularly mothers, work in agriculture, daily wage labour, forest-based livelihoods and other informal work. During working hours, young children may be left with older siblings or elderly family members, or go with their parents to the workplace.
The Shishu Ghars give children regular care, nutrition, age-appropriate stimulation and developmental support in a safe environment, and reduce the burden of full-time childcare on mothers and caregivers during working hours.
What a Shishu Ghar provides
- Safe and responsive childcare
- Nutritious meals and feeding support
- Opportunities for play and exploration
- Early childhood stimulation
- Health and growth monitoring
- Social and emotional support
- Age-appropriate learning activities
- Rest and sleep in a safe environment
How it works
How the creches work
The early years of life are critical for physical growth, brain development, nutrition and emotional wellbeing. Each Shishu Ghar is built around four things.
Safe and nurturing environment
- Clean, child-friendly space within the village
- Trained local caregivers
- Safe sleeping and play areas for infants and toddlers
Nutrition and health support
- Age-appropriate, nutritious meals and snacks
- Regular growth monitoring
- Linkages to health services and immunization
Early stimulation and development
- Play-based activities for cognitive and motor development
- Sensory engagement and language stimulation
- Social and emotional development support
Community ownership
- Involvement of parents and village committees
- Awareness sessions on infant care, breastfeeding and hygiene
- Strengthening local responsibility for childcare
Creche updates
Shishu Ghar openings
New Shishu Ghars opened with the community in early 2026.
28 January 2026
Fulwatangar
A new Shishu Ghar opened at Fulwatangar.
5 February 2026
Bhedikudar, Bangru Panchayat
Inaugurated with traditional customs by Panchayat Samiti Member Mrs. Sumanti Didi, along with other public representatives.
7 February 2026
Sembitoli, Biru Panchayat
The inauguration was organised with great enthusiasm and in keeping with traditional customs at Village Sembhitoli.
16 February 2026
Kochedega
Opened in Gram Panchayat Kochedega with traditional rites; the ribbon was cut by Mukhiya Shri Shishir Topno and other guests.
Programme status
Where the programme stands today
Figures as of September 2026.
20
Shishu Ghars operational
As of September 2026
463
Children identified as currently eligible
As of September 2026
370
Children currently enrolled
As of September 2026
414
Children enrolled since the programme began
As of September 2026
Photo gallery
Life at the Shishu Ghars
Stories & updates
News from the Shishu Ghars
The latest stories and updates from the Rural Creche Initiative.
शिशुघर उद्घाटन कार्यक्रम कोचेडेगा
Shishughar Inaugration Biru Sembitoli
Bhedikudar Creche Inugration
Help a child grow up safe and well-fed
Your support helps CKN run community creches where young children receive care, nutrition and early learning while their parents work.