Evidence on the State of Public Childcare Provision for Children Under 3 Years in India

Aims and Objectives:
The aim of the study is to assess the demand, status, and conditions of public-funded creche services for children under three years of age (U-3) in Odisha and Kerala. The study aims to:

• Identify and evaluate the specific needs and demand for creche services for U-3 children in these states.
• Analyze the current status of public-funded creches in terms of availability, accessibility, and quality.
• Investigate the conditions under which these services are provided, focusing on the challenges and limitations faced by existing creches.

Methodology:
The study was conducted in two districts from each state—Rayagada and Sundargarh in Odisha, and Thiruvananthapuram and Kozhikode in Kerala. Fieldwork, undertaken from June to September 2023, included household surveys, interviews, focus group discussions, and case studies. In Odisha, various creche models such as the National Creche Scheme and Mo Kalika Kendras were examined. In Kerala, the focus was on NCS-run creches and mobile creches for migrant workers’ children.

Findings:

• There is a strong demand for center-based childcare for U-3 children, especially among poorer households, as women’s labour market participation is restricted by childcare responsibilities.
• Despite the availability of various childcare models, significant barriers remain, including lack of availability, trust issues, and affordability.
• The National Creche Scheme suffers from delays, poor communication, and inadequate staff compensation.
• Creche workers, despite being poorly paid, play a vital role in early childhood development.

Recommendations:

• Improve funding and communication mechanisms in the National Creche Scheme to address delays and shortcomings.
• Increase compensation and training for creche workers to enhance their ability to contribute to early childhood development.
• Expand accessibility and ensure affordability of public creches to allow more women to participate in the labor market.
• Enhance community participation in creche models to ensure sustainability and effectiveness.