New era begins for nurseries and daycares in Turkey

Minister of Family and Social Services Mahinur Özdemir Göktaş announced that the new Regulation on Nurseries and Daycare Centers has entered into force. This regulation aims to ensure the safe and healthy growth of children aged 0-6. In a statement on her social media account, Minister Göktaş emphasized that raising children in loving and compassionate environments is among their priorities. The new arrangement is intended to eliminate differences in authority, standards, and practices among centers. Under the regulation, common rules will be established for all nurseries and daycares operated by public institutions in 81 provinces.

Minister Göktaş stated that the regulation aims to increase quality and uniformity in services provided to children. She wished the new regulation to be beneficial for children and families. This step is considered an important reform in early childhood care and education in Turkey. Institutions that previously operated under different standards will now function within a single framework. This is expected to help families make more informed decisions when choosing a daycare.

The new regulation covers many areas, from physical conditions of nurseries to staff qualifications. For example, safety of play areas, hygiene conditions, and suitability of educational materials are standardized. Additionally, criteria such as staff education levels and child-to-staff ratios are determined. These arrangements aim to create environments more conducive to children's development.

The Ministry will conduct regular inspections through provincial directorates to monitor compliance. Non-compliant centers will face sanctions. Families will be able to check whether nurseries meet these standards on the Ministry's website. This transparency aims to increase families' trust. Experts note that such regulations ensure quality care in early childhood, generating long-term social benefits.

In conclusion, the new Regulation on Nurseries and Daycare Centers is seen as a turning point in early childhood services in Turkey. Minister Göktaş's statements show the government's emphasis on this area. If successful, private sector nurseries are also expected to comply with similar standards. This development also represents significant support for working families.