VIDEO // Results of 3rd edition of National Public Childcare Program show investments of about 340 million lei in Moldovan localities

The Government of the Republic of Moldova is accelerating the expansion of early childcare services by launching the 3rd edition of the National Program “Public Childcare Services – Employed Parents, Children in Crèches.” The results of the competitive call for 2026 were announced today during a joint press conference held by Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Infrastructure and Regional Development Vladimir Bolea and Minister of Labor and Social Protection Natalia Plugaru.

At this stage, 99 eligible projects were selected out of a total of 102 submitted, with an estimated budget of 338.8 million lei. The funding will enable the creation, rehabilitation or equipping of 155 crèche groups, ensuring access to quality services for 3,144 children in 142 localities.

Vladimir Bolea: “Investment in a country starts with the places where children grow up”

Bolea emphasized that local social infrastructure is a strategic priority, intended to provide real conditions for young families and to reduce the burden that traditionally falls on women.

“Perhaps these are the most beautiful press conferences we hold together, because they are about children, about how we grow and develop the Republic of Moldova. Investment in a country starts with the places where children grow up. We are creating real conditions for families and young women, because we know that the main responsibility for raising and caring for children is borne by women in our society,” the head of MIDR noted.

The official also highlighted the economic dimension of the program, pointing out that public crèche services are becoming an affordable alternative to the private sector.

“The program responds to a real need. We know that such services are provided in private kindergartens, but the costs are disproportionate to the means available to young families. The Government is making this effort out of respect for young families, so that parents, especially mothers, can return to the labor market more quickly,” Bolea explained.

Natalia Plugaru: “Access to crèches allows parents to contribute actively to the national economy”

Plugaru presented data confirming the success of the program, noting that the employment rate of women with small children (0–6 years) has increased significantly in recent years, from 39.4% in 2019 to over 50% in 2024.

“Seven years ago, I would have liked to be a beneficiary of this program when my daughter turned one and the answer from kindergartens was that there were no places. Now, this will no longer be a challenge. The 155 new groups mean that around 6,000 parents will be able to return to work. The existence of crèches increases employment, reduces poverty and improves gender equality,” Natalia Plugaru underlined.

The minister also stressed the program’s impact on the reproductive decisions of young families.

“Couples in Moldova say that an ideal family would consist of three children, but they decide to have fewer for economic reasons or due to lack of access to crèches. Through this program, we are helping families to grow here, in Moldova, and we are offering them care for a European future at home,” Plugaru explained.

Technical details and distribution of projects

Of the total budget, 251 million lei represents allocations from the National Fund for Regional and Local Development (FNDRL), with additional resources attracted through the European Union’s Growth Plan for the Republic of Moldova. Local public authorities will contribute approximately 87 million lei.

The projects include upgrades in numerous localities, including: Municipality of Chișinău: 37 preschool institutions; Drochia and Ialoveni districts: 7 institutions each; Municipality of Strășeni: 9 institutions; Other districts: Căușeni and Sângerei (4 each), Ungheni and Călărași (3 each).

Modernization involves not only renovating spaces but also equipping them with modern furniture and equipment, including access solutions for children with special needs. The project lists are to be approved by a Government Decision, after which the selected municipalities will be invited to sign the financing contracts.