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Preparatory School Years and Maternal Employment in Romania

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  • Robayo,Monica
  • Rude,Britta Laurin

Abstract

This paper uses the introduction of preparatory school classes targeting six-year-old children in Romania to study whether universal, compulsory, public care provision could increase female employment. Results from difference-in-difference estimations show that the reform resulted in rising employment rates for mothers of six-year-old children. The effect is lower for mothers living in households with elderly people, but larger for those facing stronger trade-offs prior to the reform. Overall, investing in universal, compulsory, public childcare is beneficial and could significantly increase female employment and labor force participation rates.

Suggested Citation

  • Robayo,Monica & Rude,Britta Laurin, 2023. "Preparatory School Years and Maternal Employment in Romania," Policy Research Working Paper Series 10638, The World Bank.
    • Handle: RePEc:wbk:wbrwps:10638
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    References listed on IDEAS

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