The Tunisian Parliament's Health Committee held a session on Tuesday to discuss a proposed law regulating the establishment of childcare centers and nurseries. The law, proposed by a group of MPs, aims to restructure the sector and set conditions for the establishment and management of these institutions. Committee members emphasized the importance of carefully studying the proposal, considering the crucial role these institutions play in shaping children's personalities and psychological well-being.
During the session, committee members discussed the content of the first chapter of the proposal, which focuses on the establishment of childcare centers and nurseries. They also reviewed observations and proposed amendments from various parties that were heard during previous sessions. The second and third chapters received significant attention, with some members suggesting raising the age limit for children to be accepted into childcare centers from two to three months.
The committee also discussed the preparatory sections in childcare centers and schools, highlighting several issues related to the possibility of opening these sections in different types of institutions. Members agreed on the need for unified pedagogical programs and condition books between relevant ministries. They also stressed the importance of regulating the sector, as the number of informal childcare institutions operating without supervision or respect for social and tax obligations has increased.
Some committee members pointed out the high cost of services provided by childcare centers and nurseries, particularly in Tunis and major cities. They suggested considering the possibility of capping prices. The committee decided to postpone the vote on the proposal and further study its provisions, possibly hearing from other relevant structures.
The proposed law, submitted to the Parliament on April 29, 2026, and referred to the committee on May 7, 2026, consists of 30 chapters. These chapters are divided into several regulatory provisions aimed at restructuring the sector, setting conditions for establishment and management, and determining control and supervision structures.
Committee members acknowledged the importance of regulating the childcare sector, given its impact on child development and the need to ensure that institutions operate in a safe and healthy environment. They also recognized the challenges facing the sector, including the proliferation of informal institutions and the high cost of services.
The committee's discussion of the proposed law reflects the Tunisian government's efforts to improve the childcare sector and provide better services for families. The law aims to establish a framework for the establishment and operation of childcare centers and nurseries, ensuring that they meet certain standards and provide quality services to children.
Key points
- The Tunisian Parliament's Health Committee is discussing a proposed law to regulate childcare centers and nurseries.
- The law aims to restructure the sector, set conditions for establishment and management, and determine control and supervision structures.
- Committee members are emphasizing the importance of regulating the sector, given its impact on child development and the need to ensure that institutions operate in a safe and healthy environment.
