Publication: Affordable Childcare: A Needs Assessment of Low-income Mothers and Childcare Providers in Urban Bangladesh
Date
2022-11
ISSN
Published
2022-11
Author(s)
Fahmina Rahman Dutta
Kamra, Anmol
Abstract
Investments in childcare can generate
immense economic and social benefits through increased
female labor force participation and improved child
development outcomes. However, high quality childcare
options in Bangladesh are limited and available options are
unaffordable for the urban poor. This paper examines the
needs, preferences, and practices pertaining to childcare
among parents and care providers for low-income households
in urban Bangladesh. On the demand side, this paper finds
that rapid urbanization along with a decrease in
multigenerational households are increasing the demand for
childcare services. Perceptions of child safety and the
potential for child development are the two main factors
driving the choice of care provider. However, knowledge of
childcare best practices is limited among the urban poor,
resulting in risky childcare practices at home. On the
supply side, there is a severe gap in care provision,
limiting access for the urban poor. The lack of sustainable
financing is a major challenge for affordable care provision
in Bangladesh. The absence of a regulatory framework and
minimum standards for childcare has led to significant
variations in the quality of care.
Citation
“Fahmina Rahman Dutta; Kamra, Anmol. 2022. Affordable Childcare : A Needs Assessment of Low-income Mothers and Childcare Providers in Urban Bangladesh. Social Protection and Jobs Discussion Paper;No.2213. © Washington, DC: World Bank. http://openknowledge.worldbank.org/handle/10986/38373 License: CC BY 3.0 IGO.”