In an age when nuclear families are fast becoming a norm, and women are juggling a triage of roles, day-care centres are slowly but surely making their mark in the city.

One such day-care centre in Chennai is Kanchana Pati – My Grandma’s Place that provides a gamut of services for children, be it a toddler or a ten-year-old. Initiated by a working couple (former NRIs) in August 2006, this centre offers the following facilities: creche, pre-school, day-care and after-school. The first location was a house in Nungambakkam, and now there are several centres across the city.

Open from 8 am to 8 pm, Kanchana Pati also offers breakfast, lunch, and even have trained Montessori teachers to help kids with their homework. Besides these, immunization programmes, and quarterly medical check-ups are done here. The centre is home to the “Y Club” as well, wherein activities like tennis, chess, music and dance are encouraged.

Kanchana Paati aims at creating an ambience as is experienced by a child in her grandparents’ home. And with most of these centres located in spacious houses, it seems they have been able to achieve that to a great extent.

Another day-care centre offering similar services is the Ilanthir Day Care located at Mylapore. Regular meals, tuitions, and help with homework are some of the facilities offered here.

Tips for selecting day-care centres

• Research: Do your homework before selecting the day-care of your choice.
• Distance: How convenient an option is it for you as a parent?
• Timings: Like distance, do the timings work for you?
• Environment: Listen to your child. Is she happy with her environment?

A huge sigh of relief ... what say?