Authorities in Ungheni propose solutions to make childcare services more accessible
Childcare services are becoming increasingly accessible in Ungheni due to the expansion of a program supported by the International Labor Organization and local partners, including businesses. This initiative specifically aims to assist women in developing family-type nurseries and to offer parents safer and more flexible childcare options for children under three years old.
Eduard Balan, the deputy mayor of Ungheni, in an interview with Radio Moldova, noted that the need for alternative childcare services is current and justified. He noted that since kindergarten enrollment begins at the age of two, many mothers struggle to return to work due to the lack of available childcare options. The initiative aims to legalize and support alternative services that previously operated mainly informally. Proposed solutions include establishing workplace nurseries and offering services by individuals during specific hours or on weekends.
These services cater to children up to three years old. According to regulations approved by the Municipal Council, children can be enrolled in kindergarten starting at age two. For parents of one- and two-year-olds who wish to return to work but have no institutional enrollment options, the need for alternatives has arisen. In response, courses were launched for individuals interested in opening such businesses. In Chisinau and Balti, private mini-kindergartens are already in operation, allowing caregivers to care for a maximum of five children at home based on a patent.
The program "Expansion of Alternative Childcare Services" is being implemented with the support of the International Labor Organization. Similar initiatives will be rolled out in five other cities in the Republic of Moldova: Cahul, Comrat, Orhei, Edineț, and Soroca.
According to an analysis by the Centre for Partnership for Development, in 2024, only 63% of two-year-old children were integrated into early childhood education institutions, with the enrollment rate dropping to 4.5% for one-year-olds. Notably, no children under one year old benefited from public early childhood education services.
However, the number of children enrolled in kindergarten increased by 8% compared to 2021. This growth reflects the impact of the reforms and support measures initiated for families with young children since 2022, though these measures remain insufficient to meet the needs of all families.
We remind you that the Law on Alternative Child Care Services regulates the organization and operation of three types of alternative services: employer-organized services at the workplace, individualized services provided at the child's home, and family-style services at the caregiver's home, serving a maximum of five children.
