How to start a preschool in Cambodia

Navigating the process of establishing a preschool or early-years setting in Cambodia presents a unique opportunity to contribute to the nation's burgeoning early childhood care and development (ECCD) landscape. While the general policy framework for ECCD is guided by the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sport (MoEYS) and the National Committee for Early Childhood Care and Development (NC-ECCD), the formalisation of dedicated daycare and childcare services is still evolving. Aspiring founders should be prepared to operate within a context where explicit, comprehensive regulations for private, full-day childcare centres are currently less defined than for traditional preschool education. However, the increasing demand for accessible, affordable, and quality childcare, particularly from working mothers, underscores the vital role private providers can play. This guide will help you understand the existing landscape and the key considerations for launching a successful early-years provision in Cambodia, acknowledging the pivotal role of MoEYS and the NC-ECCD in shaping future policy.

Regulations

Health safety: Health and safety are significant concerns for Cambodian parents. They expect caregivers to ensure children's good nutrition, prevent illness (citing concerns about children getting sick frequently due to unhealthy food), and provide health care services. Malnutrition, particularly stunting, is a notable issue among children under five in Cambodia, underscoring the importance of proper feeding practices. While specific policies on safeguarding, medication administration, immunization tracking, illness exclusion criteria, or incident reporting are not detailed in the provided sources, a robust health and safety protocol covering these areas would be essential to meet parental expectations and national health goals, addressing issues like poor nutrition, socialisation, and safety.

Licensing overview: Currently, the formal licensing and regulatory framework for dedicated full-day childcare services, distinct from traditional preschool education, is less developed in Cambodia. While preschools operate under the guidance of the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sport (MoEYS), specific operational guidelines for private daycare centres are still emerging. The National Committee for Early Childhood Care and Development (NC-ECCD) oversees the National Policy on Early Childhood Care and Development, which broadly addresses early learning. Prospective childcare providers should likely engage directly with MoEYS or Provincial Offices of Education (POEs) to understand any existing or nascent registration processes and compliance requirements for private institutions offering full-day care, as a comprehensive sub-decree for daycare formalisation is still being advocated for.

Licensing authority: Ministry of Education, Youth and Sport (MoEYS)

Staff qualifications: Teacher qualifications in Cambodian preschools are a developing area. While the source material highlights parent expectations for professional, attentive caregivers who use good language, provide healthy meals, and implement a well-developed curriculum, there is no explicit outline of mandated qualifications for lead teachers or assistants in private daycare settings. For standardised community preschools, teachers receive a monthly salary from MoEYS, implying a level of qualification or recognition is necessary for public funding. Background checks are not explicitly mentioned in the provided sources but are generally expected in any childcare setting. Ongoing training in early childhood care and development, nutrition, and health monitoring would align with parental expectations and national ECCD goals.

Facility requirements: The source material indicates that childcare centres are 'often not adequately equipped.' Parents expect facilities to include playgrounds, toys, proper sleeping spaces, and high security. While specific square footage per child or fixture ratios are not detailed, the implication is that facilities should be safe, stimulating, and conducive to a child's development and well-being. Fire and safety codes, while not explicitly mentioned, would be a general requirement for any public-facing institution in Cambodia. The lack of detailed operational guidance on setting up quality childcare facilities is identified as a gap in the law.

Curriculum requirements: Cambodia's early childhood care and education initiatives are guided by the National Policy on Early Childhood Care and Development (NP-ECCD) of 2010 and its Action Plan. The Sustainable Development Goal 4-Education 2030 Roadmap also emphasizes education. While a specific mandated framework like EYFS or NQF is not named, parents expect a 'well-developed curriculum' that includes teaching, language development, manners, and playtime. The IPC (International Preschool Curriculum) could align by providing a structured, holistic approach to early learning, addressing cognitive and social-interpersonal skills, and integrating health and nutrition education, which are critical areas of focus within the Cambodian context.

Startup costs

Startup costs for a preschool or daycare in Cambodia can vary significantly. A small, home-based operation or rented suite might incur lower initial costs, focusing on renovations, basic equipment, and initial licensing. A larger, purpose-built centre catering to 60-100 children would require substantial investment in land acquisition or long-term lease, construction, extensive furnishings, educational materials, and higher initial staffing costs. Operational costs are driven by staff salaries, rent, utilities, food, and ongoing educational supplies. The demand for qualified staff and quality facilities will directly impact these figures, with higher quality attracting better fees but also requiring greater investment.

Timeline

1. Understanding the Regulatory Landscape (1-3 months): Engage with the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sport (MoEYS) and relevant Provincial Offices of Education (POEs) to understand the current regulations for private early childhood education institutions. Since a comprehensive sub-decree for daycare is still being advocated, this step involves clarifying existing requirements for preschools and any specific guidelines applicable to full-day childcare services. It is crucial to determine the exact registration and approval process for private educational entities.

2. Facility Sourcing and Preparation (3-6 months): Identify a suitable location that can meet the expected standards for safety and child-friendly spaces, including outdoor areas if possible. This involves securing a lease or purchasing property. Renovation work will likely be necessary to ensure the facility is safe, adequately equipped with proper sleeping spaces, playgrounds, and toys, and adheres to general health and safety standards. This phase should also include securing necessary permits for construction or renovation.

3. Curriculum Development and Staff Recruitment (2-4 months): Develop a curriculum that aligns with national early childhood care and development principles and addresses parental expectations for teaching, language, manners, nutrition, and playtime. Begin recruiting qualified staff who demonstrate attentive care and good communication skills. While formal qualification requirements for daycare staff are evolving, prioritize individuals with experience in early childhood education or care, and commit to ongoing training in ECCD, health, and nutrition.

4. Application and Inspection (2-5 months): Submit the application for institutional approval to MoEYS or the relevant educational authorities. This will likely involve providing detailed plans for the facility, curriculum, staffing, and health and safety protocols. Be prepared for inspections to ensure the facility meets any stipulated requirements regarding safety, hygiene, and learning environment. This phase may involve multiple rounds of feedback and adjustments.

5. Grand Opening and Ongoing Operations (Ongoing): Once approval is granted, you can officially open your early-years setting. Continuously engage with parents to understand their needs and concerns, particularly regarding nutrition, health, safety, and curriculum effectiveness. Regularly review and update operational practices and staff training to ensure high-quality provision. Stay informed about any new policies or sub-decrees introduced by the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sport or the National Committee for Early Childhood Care and Development regarding formal childcare services in Cambodia.

6. Advocacy and Policy Engagement (Ongoing): While not a direct licensing step, actively engaging with local authorities, NGOs, and the National Committee for Early Childhood Care and Development (NC-ECCD) can be beneficial. Given the ongoing efforts to formalize daycare in Cambodia, your participation can help shape future policies and contribute to a more defined regulatory environment. This also provides an opportunity to advocate for support and resources for private childcare providers.

Next steps: explore the IPC curriculum, read about preschool enrollment, or browse all start-a-preschool guides.

Frequently asked questions

What is the primary challenge for formal childcare services in Cambodia?

The primary challenge for formal childcare services in Cambodia is a limited supply, particularly in rural areas, coupled with affordability issues for many families. Even when available, the quality standards often do not meet parents' expectations regarding nutrition, socialisation, health, and safety. There is also a recognised gap in legislation, specifically a lack of operational guidance on setting up accessible and quality childcare facilities, and inconsistent enforcement of existing labour laws requiring on-site childcare for some employers.

Which government body is responsible for early childhood care and development in Cambodia?

The Ministry of Education, Youth and Sport (MoEYS) is the key government body responsible for providing and regulating childcare and Early Childhood Care and Development (ECCD) services in Cambodia. In particular, the National Committee for Early Childhood Care and Development (NC-ECCD) oversees the National Policy on Early Childhood Care and Development and its Action Plan. The Ministry of Women’s Affairs (MoWA) also has a role, as seen in their initiative to provide daycare for their staff members.

Are there any specific legal requirements for employers to provide childcare?

Yes, Article 186 of the Cambodian labour law requires businesses employing 100 or more women to either set up on-site childcare facilities or financially support childcare for children aged 18-36 months. However, the enforcement of this law is not systematic, and there are gaps in operational guidance regarding the establishment of these facilities and the cost employers should pay to workers. This law also leaves a gap for children aged 3-18 months, as maternity leave is typically three months.

What are parents' key expectations for quality childcare in Cambodia?

Parents in Cambodia have high expectations for childcare quality. They seek attentive, professional caregivers who use good language and communicate effectively. Key expectations include a low children-to-caregivers ratio, provision of healthy snacks and meals, high security, health care services, playgrounds and toys, proper sleeping spaces, and a well-developed curriculum that covers teaching, language, manners, and playtime. These expectations stem from concerns about children's nutrition, socialisation, health, and safety.

How does the state support early childhood education?

The Cambodian state takes responsibility for providing preschool education, typically offering two-to-three-hour sessions per school day for some children aged three to six years. The Ministry of Education, Youth and Sport (MoEYS) supports standardised community preschools by providing appropriate monthly salaries for their teachers. However, there is no concrete plan or budget for public full-day daycare, leaving a gap that non-profit institutions and private providers are increasingly attempting to fill.

What age groups are most in need of formal childcare services in Cambodia?

There is a significant need for childcare services for children aged 3 to 18 months, as maternity leave is typically three months, and the labour law only mandates childcare for children between 18 and 36 months when employers have 100 or more women. Additionally, there is a general demand for childcare for children under six years old, particularly as many working-age women, including mothers, are keen to work or return to work and are interested in accessible, affordable, and reliable childcare.