Mapping of Childcare Facilities in Dhaka City

In an effort to better understand the availability and quality of childcare services in Dhaka City, a comprehensive survey was conducted to map both formal and informal childcare initiatives. This initiative excluded specific areas, such as Gazaria, Satarkul, and restricted zones like the cantonment areas. The primary focus of this mapping exercise was to identify daycare or childcare solutions offering either remunerated or non-remunerated care, catering to working parents and families in need of reliable childcare.

Survey Methodology

The survey identified a total of 335 childcare centers across Dhaka City. Each childcare center had a representative – typically an employee or the person in charge who participated in the survey. Notably, daycare centers that serve employees of ready-made garment factories were excluded from this study to focus on a broader range of childcare providers. The data collection process involved both qualitative and quantitative methods to gain a comprehensive understanding of the childcare landscape.

Stakeholder Engagement

To gather in-depth insights, qualitative data were collected from various stakeholders, including working parents, daycare center employees, and government officials. Six focus group discussions (FGDs) were conducted with parents of children from various age groups, with 37 participants in total (36 mothers and 1 father). Additionally, three in-depth interviews (IDIs) were held with caregivers and daycare center managers to gain insights into their experiences and the challenges they face in providing childcare. One key informant interview (KII) was conducted with a Government Program Manager from the Bangladesh Shishu Academy to understand the regulatory and policy framework surrounding childcare services in Dhaka.

Fieldwork and Data Collection

A team of twelve enumerators was recruited and rigorously trained for three days to ensure the quality of data collection. The training program covered the study’s objectives, ethical considerations, confidentiality, and the proper use of data collection tools. On the final day of the training, a field practice session was conducted, followed by a feedback session to address any concerns or confusion, ensuring that all enumerators were well-prepared for their fieldwork.

Enumerators used an observation checklist to assess the physical environment of the daycare services, ensuring that they met the required standards for safety, cleanliness, and child-friendliness. They also administered surveys to caregivers present at the centers, collecting detailed quantitative data on the services provided, including staff qualifications, facilities, and the types of care offered.

Findings and Insights

The mapping exercise successfully identified both the availability and quality of childcare services within Dhaka City Corporation. The study revealed significant insights into the challenges and opportunities in the childcare sector, underscoring the urgent need for more accessible and affordable childcare solutions, particularly for working parents.

Some of the key findings include:

• High Demand: There is a growing demand for quality childcare services as more parents, especially mothers, join the workforce.
• Quality and Accessibility Issues: Many centers face challenges related to inadequate facilities, lack of trained caregivers, and the affordability of services.
• Policy Gaps: The findings highlight a need for policy interventions that address the gaps in childcare accessibility, affordability, and quality.

Conclusion and Recommendations

The study’s comprehensive approach, combining both qualitative and quantitative data, has provided a thorough understanding of the current childcare landscape in Dhaka. The findings highlight the significant barriers faced by working parents, particularly in terms of accessing affordable, high-quality childcare.

This mapping exercise offers valuable insights that can inform potential interventions aimed at improving childcare services. It also provides a foundation for policy recommendations that could shape future efforts to expand and enhance the quality of childcare options in Dhaka, ultimately supporting working families and promoting child development across the city.