Affordable Childcare in Cambodia: Bridging Gaps for a Brighter Future

A new report by the World Bank and its partners sheds light on Cambodia’s childcare landscape, highlighting gaps in access, affordability, and quality. The study underscores the need for stronger policies, better funding, and expanded services to support working mothers and foster early childhood development. It calls for coordinated efforts to build a childcare system that benefits families and boosts economic growth.

Cambodia’s young and vibrant population presents an immense opportunity for growth and development. However, a recent report by the World Bank, in collaboration with UNICEF and other key stakeholders, underscores a pressing challenge: the critical gaps in accessible and affordable childcare services. Titled “Supply of and Demand for Accessible and Affordable Childcare Services in Cambodia,” the report paints a vivid picture of an overburdened system that leaves many families, especially working mothers, grappling with limited options.

The Growing Case for Childcare

Childcare is more than a support service; it catalyzes economic empowerment and social progress. Cambodian women, who shoulder 90% of unpaid care responsibilities, face significant hurdles in accessing formal employment. This unpaid labor impacts their earning potential, career advancement, and well-being. The report makes a compelling case: improved access to childcare could transform lives by boosting women’s participation in the workforce, fostering economic growth, and providing children with the developmental support they need to thrive.

Despite its importance, childcare coverage remains dismal, particularly for children under three years old. Current statistics reveal that while 38% of children aged 3-5 are enrolled in preschools, only 3.2% of children under three have access to institutional childcare. This gap leaves families relying heavily on grandparents and other unpaid caregivers.

Challenges in Supply and Demand

Stark disparities in quality, accessibility, and affordability mark the childcare landscape in Cambodia. Public preschools dominate the sector, offering basic services but are often limited by insufficient funding and high child-to-caretaker ratios. Private preschools, while better equipped, remain out of reach for most families due to high tuition costs averaging $82 per month.

Demand for childcare, particularly for younger children, remains low. Many parents express a preference for family-based care, citing distrust in institutional services and concerns about quality. Cultural norms and a lack of awareness about the benefits of early childhood education further dampen demand. A survey highlighted that parents are unwilling to pay more than $17 per month on average—far below the cost of most private centers.

Pathways to Progress

The report provides a roadmap for addressing these challenges, urging a multi-pronged approach to reform. Key recommendations include:

Strengthening Governance: Clarifying roles across government, private sectors, and communities to streamline service delivery.

Expanding Access: Developing diverse childcare models, including options for children under three, and aligning service hours with parental work schedules.

Improving Quality: Establishing national guidelines for curriculum, safety standards, and caretaker training to build trust among parents.

Supporting the Workforce: Enhancing training programs and ensuring fair wages to attract qualified childcare workers.

Raising Awareness: Educating families about the long-term benefits of childcare to boost demand and reduce reliance on unpaid family care.

Workplace Policies: Encouraging employer-supported childcare and reforming labor laws to better support working parents.

A Call for Action

Cambodia stands at a pivotal moment. By investing in childcare, the nation can unlock immense potential, enabling families to thrive and contributing to a stronger, more inclusive economy. The report emphasizes that achieving this vision requires collective effort—from policymakers to private stakeholders and local communities.

As the World Bank report concludes, a robust childcare system isn’t just about meeting immediate needs; it’s about building a brighter future for Cambodia’s children, women, and society as a whole. With the right investments and policies, the path toward accessible, affordable, and high-quality childcare is within reach.