Lawmaker seeks better childcare support in bid to reverse decline

The government is preparing a new comprehensive childcare services development plan for 2026 to 2030, aimed at easing the pressures faced by families, particularly those with working parents, as part of a broader strategy to encourage childbirth amid a continuing decline in birth rates.

In a written inquiry to the Legislative Assembly (AL), lawmaker Lei Chan U highlighted the urgency of improving childcare services beyond financial assistance to tackle the declining birth rate.

His inquiry reads, “Recently, Macau has seen a continuous decline in birth rates. To encourage childbirth and improve support policies, the government has adopted multiple approaches such as introducing childcare subsidies, raising birth allowances, and strengthening economic assistance to newborn families.”

However, Lei emphasized that economic assistance alone is insufficient, writing, “Apart from economic support, improving childcare services to alleviate the childcare pressures, especially for dual-income families, is also an important part of improving fertility policies.”

In his inquiry, the lawmaker raised three key questions about the future direction of childcare services: the status of the new development plan, how it will respond to the population decline, and how inclusive childcare services for children with mild special needs will be enhanced through training and resources.

In response, the Social Welfare Bureau (IAS) confirmed that under the Chief Executive’s instructions, the government is finalizing the “2026–2030 Childcare Services Development Plan.”

This new plan targets three guiding principles: providing “adequate childcare support for families,” “supporting parents’ participation in early childhood care and education,” and “establishing a high-quality childcare management system.”

The new plan is expected to be finalized by the end of 2025 after consultation with the childcare sector, building on lessons from the current 2023–2025 childcare plan.

Regarding Lei’s inquiry into inclusive childcare services, IAS noted that three government-subsidized centers – Crèche Fai Chi Kei, Crèche Cáritas, and Crèche Vamos a Brincar – currently serve 70 children with developmental disabilities.

The bureau also stated that it plans to establish support frameworks to improve care for children with developmental challenges and gradually expand this model across childcare centers in Macau.

IAS also affirmed that training and resources remain a priority for both childcare workers and parents.

“As of the end of 2024, approximately 220 childcare workers and 250 parents have completed training sessions,” the bureau wrote.

The response also disclosed that the government plans to offer around 500 additional training slots in 2025, with ongoing commitments to scale up training and support activities according to demand.