childcare

Childcare refers to the care and supervision of children by someone other than their parents or guardians, typically to enable parents or guardians to work or study. It encompasses safety, basic needs, and opportunities for learning and development, and can occur in various settings.

Common settings include center-based childcare, family child care (care in the provider's home), in-home care (nannies or au pairs), and after-school programs. Services generally cover children from infancy to early adolescence, with specific arrangements for infants, toddlers, preschoolers, and school-age children.

Quality childcare typically includes trained staff, appropriate child-to-staff ratios, licensed or registered operations, indoor and outdoor safety, developmentally appropriate activities, meals or snacks, health and safety policies, and routine screenings for developmental progress.

Regulation and accreditation vary by country and region. In many places childcare providers must obtain a license, meet safety and staffing standards, and undergo background checks. Some providers pursue voluntary accreditation or participate in quality rating and improvement systems.

Access to childcare is influenced by affordability, availability, and policy. Government subsidies, parental leave, and employer-supported programs affect participation. High-quality care also emphasizes inclusion, with supports for children with disabilities and for dual language learners.

Impact and trends: well-designed childcare supports early learning, social and emotional development, and parental employment. Communities face ongoing challenges including workforce shortages, funding limits, and ensuring consistent quality across settings.