Early Childhood Care and Education
Privatisation of ECCE from a human rights perspective
Early Childhood Care and Education is the foundation of lifelong learning and a fundamental human right. Yet in many countries, inadequate public investment has driven the expansion of private provision, raising important questions about equity, quality, affordability and accountability.
Explore two publications examining the growing privatisation of ECCE and the policies needed to strengthen free, quality public early childhood education for all.
Download: Privatisation of Early Childhood Care and Education: Trends, Challenges and Human Rights Implications
Download: Privatisation of Early Childhood Care and Education: Trends and Policy Implications in Argentina
A Global Evidence Review
Trends, Challenges and Human Rights Implications of ECCE Privatisation
This paper examines the global growth of privatisation in Early Childhood Care and Education through a human rights lens.
It maps the expanding role of private actors in childcare and pre-primary education, explores the legal, policy and economic drivers behind this trend, and analyses its implications for equity, access, affordability, quality and accountability.
Drawing on international evidence and human rights standards, the paper highlights the need for stronger public investment and regulation to ensure ECCE is realised as a public good and a fundamental right for every child.
Country case study
Privatisation of ECCE in Argentina
This paper examines the privatisation of Early Childhood Care and Education in Argentina through a human rights lens.
It explores how gaps in public provision, fragmented governance, and limited legal protections for children under three have driven increasing reliance on private providers, contributing to unequal access based on income and geography.
Drawing on national evidence and international human rights standards, the paper highlights the need for stronger public investment, regulation, and universal provision to ensure that all young children can realise their right to quality ECCE.