This report synthesizes available evidence on childcare in Cambodia to provide a holistic analysis of the policy landscape and priorities for further investment. It presents new data to describe the existing supply of services and discuss the challenges and opportunities to providing accessible and high-quality early childhood care and education (ECCE) services in Cambodia. Survey data are complemented by qualitative data collected among parents, caregivers, and stakeholders in the sector to understand the various barriers that hinder families from utilizing institutional childcare services, exploring potential solutions to improve uptake. Overall, the report aims to provide insights and recommendations to policy makers on strategies to enhance early childhood care to support the healthy development of Cambodia's children and expand the labor market opportunities and choices available to working parents, particularly mothers. This paper draws on four main sources of data: a desk review encompassing existing literature, reports, policy documents, and relevant data sources
a phone survey of childcare centers, primarily preschools serving children ages three to six
a survey of households with children under the age of three in villages near garment factories
and qualitative research - focus group discussions (FGDs) and key informant interviews (KIIs) with parents, caregivers, and stakeholders in the sector. The review in this report provides a comprehensive picture of present-day childcare policy in Cambodia, although it does not include the results of the ongoing efforts of the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sport (MoEYS) to update and expand this policy.