The World Bank-funded study on Inclusive childcare and employment of mothers of children with disabilities looked at how access to inclusive childcare impacts workforce participation of mothers of children with disabilities. This research project provided an opportunity to generate knowledge and recommendations that can encourage dialogue and create entry points for disability inclusion.  The objective of this study was to understand better the topic of childcare and maternal workforce participation with a cross-cutting disability lens. As a result, IDP developed a desk review of maternal employment of mothers of children with disabilities, covering demand and supply factors, and a final report that includes a matrix of recommendations on advancing the argument for investments in disability-inclusive childcare. IDP reinforced these products through developing country-specific mini-briefs covering the current situation, high-level findings, and country-specific recommendations.

Project Highlights:

• Collaborated with country-level and global advisory groups to guide and inform the study tools and findings.
• Conducted a desk review of global and country-specific information related to the supply and demand factors associated with inclusive childcare and employment opportunities for mothers of children with disabilities.
• Conducted key informant interviews and focus group discussions with key stakeholders, including parents, early childhood care centers, government officials, organizations of persons with disabilities, and women’s groups.
• Conducted stakeholder surveys related to inclusive childcare and employment opportunities to identify limiting and enabling factors related to supply and demand.
• Developed a final report with recommendations on how to advance investments for disability-inclusive childcare and employment opportunities for mothers of children with disabilities.
• Developed country-specific mini-brief.