Chennai has witnessed a rapid increase in the number of daycare centres and playschools in recent years, as more urban parents turn to early education and care options for their children. With nuclear families and working parents on the rise, especially in IT and service sectors, demand for such facilities has surged. However, the mushrooming of these centres across the city has also raised concerns about child safety, staff qualification, and regulatory oversight.While some of these centres are well-equipped and follow safety protocols, many others operate from small apartments or rented houses with minimal infrastructure. Parents say there is often a lack of transparency in staff credentials, CCTV access, emergency protocols, and hygiene practices.
“My daughter goes to a daycare in Velachery. Though the caregivers are kind, I don’t know if they have any formal training. There’s no nurse or medical help if anything happens,” says Priyanka Raman, a marketing executive and mother of a 2-year-old. “I just hope for the best every day when I drop her off.”
Safety incidents, though rare, have brought sharper focus to the issue. Experts stress the need for clear government regulations. “Daycare centres must register under the Tamil Nadu Shops and Establishments Act and should follow child safety norms strictly. Many operate in a legal grey area,” says Dr. Prema Krishnan, a retired school principal and education advisor. “We need a monitoring mechanism, especially for centres that care for infants and toddlers.”
Some parents are now opting for playschools that are part of larger educational chains or attached to established schools, trusting better accountability. However, these options are often expensive and out of reach for middle-income families.
“Ultimately, nothing is more important than the safety and well-being of our kids,” says Aravind Kumar, a tech professional and father of twin boys. “It’s time for the system to catch up with the growing demand.”