Supply of and Demand for Accessible and Affordable Childcare Services in Cambodia

Investment Rating - The report does not explicitly provide an investment rating for the childcare services industry in Cambodia Core Insights - The report emphasizes the critical need for improved access to childcare services to enhance women's labor force participation and overall economic growth in Cambodia [15][16][22] - It highlights the significant gap in childcare coverage, particularly for children under three years old, where only 3.2% were utilizing services as of 2012/13 [17][45] - The Cambodian government has made legal and policy commitments to expand childcare services, but implementation gaps remain [18][22] Summary by Sections Executive Summary - Cambodia's economy has benefited from high female labor force participation at 74%, yet women face challenges in accessing formal employment due to unpaid care responsibilities [15][37] - The report identifies that improved access to childcare can alleviate time constraints and promote economic growth [16][19] Chapter 1: The Case for Childcare - Access to affordable childcare is linked to better labor market outcomes for women, enhancing family income and overall economic growth [32][34] - Women in Cambodia perform 90% of unpaid care work, significantly impacting their employment opportunities [37] Chapter 2: The Childcare Landscape in Cambodia - Approximately one-third of children aged three to five are enrolled in preschool, with a significant reliance on public and community-based services [43][44] - The report notes that formal childcare services for children under three are rare, with most care provided informally by family members [48] Chapter 3: The Supply—Service Types and Characteristics - The report discusses the characteristics of childcare services, including operating hours, caretaker qualifications, and challenges faced by childcare centers [20][22] - It highlights the lack of regulation and quality assurance mechanisms for childcare services, particularly for those serving children under three [20][22] Chapter 4: Demand for Childcare - Family demand for childcare is limited due to supply-side constraints, including insufficient operating hours and quality of services [21][22] - The report indicates that parents' willingness to pay for childcare is lower than the average costs, influenced by service quality and operating hours [21] Chapter 5: Recommendations - The report outlines policy priorities to improve childcare services, including expanding access, improving service quality, and addressing social perceptions of childcare [22][23] - Recommendations include developing a governance framework for childcare, enhancing workforce training, and increasing public awareness of the benefits of early childhood education [22][23]