Challenges and solutions on alternative childcare services put to lawmakers

The challenges faced in the implementation of the Law on alternative childcare services, as well as proposals for improving the legal framework, were analyzed during public hearings organized by the Parliament's Social Protection, Health and Family Commission.

The event was attended by lawmakers, representatives of central authorities, educational institutions, the Economic Council alongside the Prime Minister, international organizations, development partners, and members of civil society.

Vice-Chair of the Commission, MP Marina Morozova, co-author of the law, presented the main achievements obtained so far. These include the opening of over 40 nursery groups for children aged 2-3 years, the renovation of over 100 kindergartens, and the allocation of 40 million lei from the state budget for developing early care infrastructure.

The law regulates three types of alternative services: employer-organized workplace childcare, in-home childcare, and family-type care services provided by caregivers, for a maximum of five children. In the two years since the law came into force, several support tools have been developed, including an online platform for registering service providers – serviciialternative.gov.md.

Legislative amendments have also been made to reduce administrative barriers: removing the validity limits of caregivers' licenses, enabling the conclusion of civil contracts, and introducing tax incentives for employers and parents.

As a result of the discussions, new legislative measures were proposed to adapt the services to the real needs of beneficiaries and to support the sustainable development of this sector.