Currimjee, AlisaLima, Jem Heinzel-Nelson AlvarengaTroiano, Sara2023-04-202023-04-202022-12https://openknowledge.worldbank.org/handle/10986/39717This study reviews options of childcare and early learning arrangements in developing countries, focusing on innovative options for public and nonstate provision that fit the needs and constraints of low-income families. It discusses both home-based care (provided in a home setting) and center-based care (nurseries, crèches, daycares or sometimes preschools) through various country examples and four in-depth case studies (from Colombia, Kenya, India, and Liberia). This comparative analysis shows that a wide range of provision models are leveraged to meet the demand for childcare in low- and middle-income countries and that intentional policy initiatives can promote positive social norms towards early childhood services and women’s economic empowerment. Yet, benefits to children and families depend on the quality of services and the wider enabling environment thy operate in.enCC BY-NC 3.0 IGOCHILDCAREEARLY LEARNINGPRESCHOOLEARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATIONEARLY CHILDHOOD DEVELOPMENTWOMEN'S ECONOMIC EMPOWERMENTWOMEN'S LABOR PARTICIPATIONWORKFORCE PARTICIPATIONHUMAN CAPITALDAYCAREWorking PaperWorld Bank10.1596/39717