Universal child care is the provision of free or low-cost child care to all families, regardless of the ability to pay, through government subsidies. It generally encompasses daycare from the end of parental leave to the beginning of government-subsidized preschool or kindergarten. It may also include after-school care throughout primary education, allowing parents to work a full day.
Various countries have implemented universal child care; those with the highest subsidies are the Nordic countries and Germany.
See also
Countries implementing: Child care in Canada
Related concepts: Universal preschool Universal health care Universal basic income
References