babies’ day in

Neha Kumari, a BEd student of Women’s Training College in the state capital, had to miss a number of classes after the birth of her son in January this year. Her juniors, however, would not have to face any such problems, as the institute has planned to open a day care centre for the children of students, teachers and employees.

Children up to the age of six would be taken care of at the centre while their parents take classes or work at the college. It would be sponsored by a University Grants Commission (UGC) programme.

The principal of the college, Jessie George Modi, told The Telegraph: “We will start a day care centre at our institute under an UGC-sponsored programme. We already have a fund of Rs 2 lakh. Students would be able to keep their children at the centre for a few hours when they attend class or work.”

The centre would be ready by end-March.

The students of the college are happy with the development.

Neha Kumari told The Telegraph: “I often miss classes because I have to take care of my baby. I am happy that a day care centre would soon be opened at our college. Students would not have to miss classes to take care of their children once the facility is inaugurated.”

Modi added: “Teaching and non-teaching employees would also be able to avail of the services of the centre. A number of facilities would be available. To begin with, maids or ayahs would be allowed to accompany the child and take care of him or her. Later, the employees of the centre would take care of the child. There would also be an enclosure where mothers can breastfeed their children.”

The principal also said: “We want the centre to be children-friendly. So we have purchased a number of toys for them. We have also bought books of English and Hindi nursery rhymes as well as educational CDs. There would be exciting virtual games for children. There would also be a TV and a DVD player so that the children can entertain themselves.”

Entertainment apart, the décor of the day care centre would be tailored to suit its infant occupants.

Modi said: “The day care centre would have colourful wallpaper and semi-wooden flooring. There would also be a microwave to heat milk and other eatables. Diapers would also be made available for the children. Parents would, however, have to pay for the diapers they use. The centre would also have a bathroom exclusively for the babies. The sink in the bathroom would be low so that the children can reach it easily. The walls of the bathroom would also have bright colours.”

The Women’s Training College is not the only institute in the capital that would have a day care centre soon. The home science department of Magadh Mahila College would also have one.

“Last year, we started a day care centre under the UGC scheme but soon it was closed because of space crunch. We are going to restart it soon,” said Anju Srivastava, the head of the department.