A couple of links on the second part about what to look for while choosing a crèche.

1. iLoveIndia Parenting article Selecting Crèche For Children
2. IndiaParenting article How to Find a Good Babysitter or Creche

If your child is older than 12 months, day care/home might be a good idea. In addition to a creche, they also function as toddler groups starting your kid up with Montessori techniques and other activities. Some even function as play schools for kids older than 2 years.

IMO, in Aundh/Baner area Sapling Day Home is probably the best. They are located in Ram Indu Park on Baner Road just after the Balewadi Phata. They admit only after a kid has turned 1. http://www.saplingnursery.com/

In Aundh and Baner there are a huge number of Day Cares and Play Schools - just look around while driving and you'll find many boards, hoardings and advertisements on the road.

Sparkles in Bhosale Nagar is supposed to be good. Blooming Buds in Model Colony (I've heard) is also good.

Make a tour of 3-4 places before finalizing one.

If you live around Kothrud there is a nice place for very young children (pre-balwadi I would say)
right in the middle of the Paranjape Woodlands society.
Its connected to the club-house complex of the society.
I forget the name but the place is quite hygienic and the people good too.
^{I forget the name at this moment.}

Around Anand Park, Aundh area,
between the Petrol Pump and the Seasons hotel
is a place called Amber Nursery And Day Care Centre.

Panda Kids at Erica, Magarpatta Euro Kids at Magarpatta

Criteria for choosing day care / creche

• Repuation of the creche
• Addressing the emotional needs of the child i.e. one-to-one time with the child
• Qualified and dedicated staff
• Clean and safe facilities
• Sufficient play area
• Structured curriculum
• Rules and regulations
• Action plan for emergencies

Near Sahakarnagar/Mitra mandal/satara road area, there is a creche called "Little Hearts". They have a small nursery school attached They provide food for the kids too. They have various activities like craft/yoga etc.

In Aundh, there is a daycare called Learning tree. This is located opposite to Gaikwad Petrol Pump in Aundh. One has to take a little U-Turn from the front of the petrol pump onto a small lane that enters Ashiyana Park. You have to take that lane.

They are reasonably ok but will not rank amongst the most advanced of daycares.

I have reviewed a few playschool cum day cares in Pune, maybe that will help . http://www.madhuriesingh.com/superindiankid/index.php/2009/playschool-and-kindergarten-pre-schools-in-pune/

Go to school reviews page.

I have received good feedback for Vivero preschool's daycare program in Kalyani Ngr. They hv a full day and a hlaf day (4 hrs) option. They have a weekly theme based activity program. Also, after school programs (like ballet, drwaing etc.) can be included in the daycare. Hv heard good reports of hygiene, and food provided.

**

Budding Babies full fill the needs of corporate women by providing quality care to the children of 5 months and above age group.  They have a Montessori Teacher Training Institute as well and provide teacher training affiliated with International Montessori Council, USA.  For more details, visit the website www.buddingbabies.co.in
regds..anita a

**