06/06/24
Micro-crèches in France: Capacity and coverage rates
Number of Children Under 3 Years Old
After several years of decline in the number of children under 3 years old, the trend is stabilizing in Metropolitan France.
At the same time, childcare capacities are also decreasing, particularly with childminders. Conversely, micro-crèches and crèches have seen significant growth with an average annual growth rate of 2.5%.
| Childcare Capacities (in thousands) | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 |
| Childminders | 782.5 | 770.8 | 759 | 744.3 |
| Crèche and Micro-crèche | 437.2 | 448.8 | 460.2 | 471 |
| Preschool | 96.3 | 92.6 | 88.8 | 82.7 |
| In-home caregivers | 46.7 | 46.1 | 47 | 47.7 |
| Total | 1362.7 | 1358.3 | 1355 | 1345.7 |
Coverage Rate of Childcare (in %)
The coverage rate is increasing but remains below 60%.
According to an INSEE survey, nearly a quarter of women still have to switch to part-time or stop working to care for their children.
Coverage Rate in 2020
Childcare capacities vary greatly across the territory, with the western region being well-covered. Many areas still severely lack childcare facilities, offering interesting development prospects.
