In Egypt, the cost of nursery care has become a significant burden for many families. What was once a basic service to help families manage their lives has turned into a costly affair. The competition among nurseries is no longer just about providing care, but also about the range of services offered, including surveillance cameras, remote monitoring, meals, activities, and foreign teachers. Despite the high prices and numerous services, the most important question remains unanswered: what is the quality of care and safety provided to children during the hours they spend away from their families?
A good nursery is not just about the number of cameras or the size of the playground, but about providing a safe and clean environment, qualified staff, suitable density, and honest communication with families. The Egyptian government has taken steps to regulate the sector, with the Ministries of Social Solidarity and Education signing a protocol on June 17, 2026, to organize the licensing and operation of nurseries for children under preschool age in private and international schools. The protocol aims to unify licensing and monitoring procedures and establish a database for nurseries.
A recent field study by Al Akhbar newspaper found that many parents and former nursery workers expressed concerns about the level of care provided to children. One mother said she had tried several nurseries but had not found the required level of cleanliness and care. She noted that her one-year-old child was frequently ill, and that the nursery was not providing adequate care. A former nursery worker questioned the suitability of having 25 children aged two to three years in a class supervised by only two teachers, highlighting the pressure on staff and the need for more qualified caregivers.
According to a nursery manager, the cost of care is determined by factors such as location, operating costs, and services offered. She noted that increasing services and equipment raises costs, but that the quality of care and safety are not necessarily linked to the price. The manager emphasized that the key to providing high-quality care is to have a suitable staff-to-child ratio, qualified staff, and a clean and safe environment.
An educational consultant and psychologist stressed that choosing a nursery is not a simple decision, as children spend hours there during a critical phase of their development. She emphasized that the way staff interact with children is a crucial factor, and that parents should visit the nursery, observe daily activities, and assess the qualifications of staff. The consultant also highlighted the importance of transparency and communication between nursery staff and parents.
The consultant recommended that parents check the nursery's policies on issues such as children's crying, refusal to eat, and injuries, and that they receive regular reports on their child's activities. She also suggested that the ideal age for starting nursery care varies depending on individual circumstances, but that children aged two and a half to three years are often better equipped to adapt to nursery life.
The Egyptian government aims to improve the quality of nursery care and ensure that nurseries provide a safe and healthy environment for children. Parents are advised to research and carefully evaluate nurseries before making a decision, prioritizing factors such as staff qualifications, cleanliness, and communication.
Key points
- The Egyptian government has taken steps to regulate the nursery sector, including a protocol to unify licensing and monitoring procedures.
- High costs do not necessarily guarantee high-quality care, and parents should prioritize factors such as staff qualifications and cleanliness.
- Choosing a nursery requires careful evaluation, and parents should research and assess factors such as staff qualifications, cleanliness, and communication.
