Access to Childcare Remains Lacking Globally

Children need guidance and supervision as they grow and learn to navigate the world. However, various circumstances often make it challenging for parents to provide this care, from work restrictions to humanitarian crises. In this light, access to childcare services is crucial in ensuring children’s development. How is the current state of childcare globally?

Support for Children’s Growth

Childcare can generally be seen as the care provided by parents or family members for children. Additionally, it can also refer to dedicated, formal institutions like preschools or daycares. This type of care and guidance is crucial to ensure that children grow up healthy and safe, particularly in their physical, cognitive, and psychological development.

Unfortunately, access to childcare is still lacking in many parts of the world. A report by the World Bank states that over 40% of children below primary school age (350 million) need childcare, yet lack access. As a result, many children grow up in an unsafe and unhealthy environment, which can lead to issues like malnutrition, low educational attainment, and other long-lasting impacts on their future.

Lack of Access to Childcare and Other Challenges

Lack of access to childcare is a global issue, but this challenge disproportionately impacts families in low- and lower-middle-income countries. The World Bank’s report further reveals that children in low-income countries are almost five times less likely to access childcare services than those in high-income countries. The gap is particularly wide for children below three years old due to higher costs and a lack of policies to accommodate this age group.

Moreover, the access gap also exists within countries. A study by Victoria University examining nine developed nations finds that disadvantaged areas have less access to childcare services in some countries. In England, Australia, and France, for instance, the wealthier and more advantaged areas have better access to childcare for children below three years old.

Aside from the lack of access, finding quality childcare services is also challenging. Quality childcare benefits the children’s growth and provides the necessary push for parents to use the service. Unfortunately, many countries lack the regulations, standards, and systems to support quality childcare.

Moreover, there is also the issue of cost. A UNICEF report on the state of childcare in the world’s wealthiest countries reveals that 38% of parents who use organized childcare services in Europe find it difficult to cover the cost. In Spain, the percentage of families with this issue ranges from 22% of low-income families to 5% of high-income families.

Supportive Regulations & Policies

A safe and healthy environment is key to children’s development, underscoring the urgency of affordable, accessible, and quality childcare. It is also crucial to integrate measures to support childcare during crises in the wake of rampant humanitarian crises and severe natural disasters globally.

In this case, regulations and policies are crucial enabling factors that can expand the availability of childcare services and strengthen the existing system. This includes investing more in childcare-related initiatives to ensure affordability, defining clear standards for childcare services, and promoting policies that can support parents’ roles in caregiving.

Editor: Nazalea Kusuma

Kresentia Madina

Reporter at Green Network Asia | Website | + posts

Madina is the Assistant Manager of Stakeholder Engagement at Green Network Asia. She holds a bachelor’s degree in English Studies from Universitas Indonesia. As part of the GNA In-House Team, she supports the organization's multi-stakeholder engagement across international organizations, governments, businesses, civil society, and grassroots communities through digital publications, events, capacity building, and research.