We all know as a Indian Montessori, Tarabai Modak started her work in early child education. Being a social worker from Vidarbha region of Maharashtra, Balwadis were first developed by her. The first balwadi was started in Bordi a coastal village in Thane district of Maharashtra by Nutan Bal Shikshan Sangh. She was awarded Padma Bhushan in 1962 for her work in preschool education. Anutai Wagh was her disciple.