THE quality of childcare profoundly influences a child鈥檚 development, shaping cognitive abilities, social skills, and emotional well-being. A nurturing environment fosters essential competencies such as communication, collaboration, and emotional regulation. Beyond academics, childcare centres play a crucial role in social development, teaching children empathy, cooperation, and conflict resolution. However, childcare is not just about children 鈥� it is also a critical factor in gender equality. Reliable childcare services enable women to participate in the workforce, pursue education, and achieve economic independence, contributing to a more equitable society.
Bangladesh has recognised the significance of structured childcare with the enactment of the child day care centre act, 2021, a commendable step towards ensuring quality and safety in childcare services. The act mandates strict operational guidelines, including staff qualifications, safety standards, and licensing requirements. Under section 9, a childcare centre鈥檚 registration may be revoked if obtained fraudulently or if legal provisions are violated. Section 20 enforces severe penalties, including imprisonment and fines, for operating unregistered centres. Additional provisions address health hazards, staff negligence, and the spread of infectious diseases within childcare facilities.
However, despite this robust legal framework, implementation remains a challenge. Many centres continue to operate without registration, compromising safety and quality. Parents, often unaware of their rights, struggle to demand accountability. Weak enforcement mechanisms and limited resources exacerbate these challenges, leaving vulnerable children at risk. The reality in many childcare centres falls short of the act鈥檚 vision 鈥� clean environments, nutritious meals, and quality education remain inconsistently available. The draft child day care centre rules, 2022, aims to operationalise the act, outlining licensing procedures, staff training requirements, and child welfare protocols. However, legal provisions alone are insufficient. Bridging the gap between legislation and reality requires proactive government intervention.
=The importance of childcare extends beyond individual families 鈥� it has profound societal and economic implications. A well-regulated childcare system not only ensures the well-being of children but also strengthens the economy. When parents, particularly mothers, have access to reliable childcare, they can actively participate in the workforce, thereby contributing to economic growth. Countries with strong childcare policies, such as Sweden and Canada, have demonstrated that investment in early childhood care leads to higher female workforce participation and overall economic stability. Bangladesh must take note of these models and implement strategies that make quality childcare accessible to all socio-economic groups.
One of the fundamental issues plaguing childcare centres in Bangladesh is the lack of awareness and understanding among both service providers and parents. Many childcare centre operators do not fully comprehend the legal requirements outlined in the act. This lack of awareness leads to substandard care, safety violations, and, in some cases, outright negligence. Similarly, many parents are unaware of their rights under the law, preventing them from demanding better services for their children. A nationwide awareness campaign is essential to educate both parents and childcare providers about their legal responsibilities and rights. The government, in collaboration with civil society organisations and media outlets, must work to disseminate clear, accessible information about the act and its provisions.
Furthermore, enforcement mechanisms must be strengthened to ensure compliance. Currently, inspections of childcare centres are infrequent and, in many cases, ineffective. Corruption and bureaucratic inefficiencies further complicate enforcement, allowing unlicensed centres to continue operations with little to no accountability. The government must allocate adequate resources to establish an independent regulatory body tasked with conducting regular inspections, issuing reports, and ensuring compliance. This body must be given the authority to take swift action against centres that fail to meet standards, including imposing fines and shutting down facilities that pose risks to children鈥檚 well-being.
Another pressing concern is the affordability and accessibility of quality childcare. In urban centres like Dhaka, childcare services are often prohibitively expensive, making them inaccessible to low- and middle-income families. In rural areas, formal childcare facilities are scarce, forcing many parents to rely on informal, often unregulated alternatives. To address this issue, the government should consider subsidising childcare services for low-income families and incentivising private sector investment in the childcare industry. Public-private partnerships can help expand the availability of quality childcare, ensuring that all children, regardless of socio-economic background, have access to safe and nurturing environments.
In addition to regulatory measures, investing in the professional development of childcare workers is crucial. The quality of childcare is directly linked to the skills and expertise of caregivers. Currently, many childcare workers in Bangladesh lack formal training, leading to inconsistent service quality. Establishing mandatory certification programmes for childcare providers, coupled with ongoing professional development opportunities, will enhance the overall standard of care. By ensuring that all childcare workers receive proper training in child development, first aid, and behavioural management, the government can significantly improve the quality of services provided.
Moreover, addressing gender biases in childcare is essential for long-term progress. In Bangladesh, childcare is often perceived as a woman鈥檚 responsibility, which not only limits men鈥檚 involvement in childcare but also perpetuates gender inequalities in the workplace. Encouraging paternal involvement in childcare through policies that promote parental leave for both mothers and fathers can help shift these deeply ingrained societal norms. A more balanced approach to caregiving responsibilities will ultimately benefit families and contribute to greater gender equality in the workforce.
Technology can also play a vital role in enhancing the quality and accountability of childcare services. Implementing digital monitoring systems that allow parents to track their child鈥檚 activities and well-being in real-time can increase transparency and build trust between parents and childcare providers. Additionally, a centralised database of registered childcare centres, accessible to parents, can help them make informed decisions about where to enrol their children. Such measures will not only improve service quality but also encourage compliance with legal standards.
Investing in childcare is not just a social obligation 鈥� it is an economic strategy. Quality early childhood education shapes future generations, driving productivity and national growth. Bangladesh鈥檚 progress depends on its commitment to ensuring that every child receives the care and education they deserve. A strong legal framework is only the beginning 鈥� its successful implementation will determine the future of childcare in the country. The government must act with urgency and resolve to bridge the gap between policy and practice, ensuring that no child is left behind.
听
Atiqur Rahaman is an LLM student at the University of Asia Pacific.