Albania is facing a growing challenge in Early Childhood Education and Care (ECEC), a key component for human capital development and for increasing women’s participation in the labor market. Despite demographic decline, the demand for nursery and preschool services continues to rise, placing additional pressure on an already fragile system. The latest Public Finance Review report by the World Bank highlights that Albania urgently needs to strengthen ECEC financing, management, and accessibility in order to keep pace with social and economic demands.
According to the World Bank’s findings, public spending on early childhood services has increased in recent years. However, the overall funding remains low when compared to international standards. More critically, the distribution of services across the country is deeply unequal. While urban centers have at least some basic nursery infrastructure, vast areas of the country remain underserved — or not served at all.
One of the most alarming statistics presented in the report is the very low enrollment rate of young children in public nurseries. Only 10% of children under the age of three are currently enrolled in public childcare services. This means that the overwhelming majority of infants and toddlers either stay at home or rely on private alternatives, which are often costly and inaccessible for most Albanian families.
Even more concerning is the fact that 18 municipalities across Albania do not offer any nursery services whatsoever. This geographic inequality directly affects children’s development opportunities and heavily impacts parents, especially mothers, who remain unable to re-enter the workforce due to lack of childcare options. In a country where employment challenges are already pronounced, the absence of basic early childhood services further deepens social and economic disparities.
The World Bank report emphasizes that the lack of consistency in parental fees, combined with the absence of clear regulations governing private childcare providers, creates additional inequality in access. Families in poorer or rural areas face higher barriers, either due to cost, distance, or lack of available spaces. Without a unified regulatory and financial framework, parents are left navigating a fragmented system that does not guarantee quality or fairness.
Institutional coordination is another major challenge. The report notes that responsibilities are spread across several ministries and local government units, resulting in fragmented services and inefficient planning. The absence of reliable, consolidated data also obstructs effective policy-making, budget allocation, and long-term strategy.
Although Albania has begun implementing reforms — including updates to transfer formulas and performance-based grants — the pace of improvement remains slow. The report stresses that strengthening local financial management, improving budgeting practices, and enhancing supervision of service delivery at the municipal level are essential steps toward a more efficient and equitable childcare system.
Another critical recommendation is the need for increased public investment coupled with more strategic allocation of resources. Building new nurseries is important, but ensuring their sustainability, quality, and operational efficiency is equally critical. The World Bank highlights that targeted grants, stronger financial oversight, and clear regulatory frameworks can significantly increase the impact of limited resources.
The document also underlines the growing potential of private partnerships. Expanding cooperation with private childcare providers, promoting employer-supported childcare initiatives, and leveraging international funding could help reduce infrastructure gaps. Public–private partnerships, if properly regulated, can relieve pressure on the public sector while expanding access for families.
Ultimately, addressing the challenges in early childhood care is not merely a social policy decision — it is an economic necessity. Countries that invest in early childhood development consistently benefit from higher workforce productivity, reduced long-term social costs, and improved educational outcomes. For Albania, where human capital investment remains essential for economic growth and European integration, the urgency is even greater.
The current situation — with only 10% of children under 3 enrolled in public nurseries and 18 municipalities offering no services — reflects a structural weakness that demands immediate action. Strengthened financing, better coordination, expanded infrastructure, and closer partnerships with the private sector represent the path toward a more inclusive, equitable, and productive Albania.
For families, especially mothers, improved access to childcare represents not only support but also empowerment and opportunity. For children, it provides a foundation for lifelong learning and development. For Albania, it is an investment in its future.