This case study examines a micro-nursery initiative in Czechia supported by the European Social Fund (ESF). It addresses significant gaps in early childhood education and care (ECEC) while promoting parental employment, particularly for mothers. In response to limited childcare options for children under four, the project developed small-scale, professional childcare facilities that support work-life balance and enhance labour market participation. ESF funding helped setting up 62 micro-nurseries, covering operational costs, piloting innovative models and strengthening stakeholder capacity. The initiative contributed to social inclusion, gender equality and economic activity by facilitating transitions from part-time to full-time employment. Challenges such as high demand, regional disparities and financial sustainability were mitigated through municipal partnerships, targeted regional support and co-financing strategies.
Pilot micro-nurseries in Czechia
Abstract
In Czechia, the social economy encompasses various legal forms, albeit without a specific law or national strategy. The Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs (MoLSA) provides important institutional support to the social economy (OECD, 2023[1]), in particular Work Integration Social Enterprises (WISEs), due to their employment dimension. WISEs focus on integrating individuals who face challenges in entering the labour market, or are furthest from the labour market. They provide employment opportunities, training and a supportive work environment. MoLSA also cooperates with the Agency for Social Inclusion to support the promotion of the social economy at municipal level, by raising awareness and promoting socially responsible public procurement (European Commission, 2025[2]).
The Social Inclusion Strategy, launched by the MoLSA in 2014, includes social innovation in the category of inclusive public services. They define social innovation as “new solutions and, compared to available alternatives, better solutions (i.e. more effective, more efficient, more sustainable, fairer) that meet pressing social needs, while creating new social relations or cooperation" (MoLSA, 2014[3]). Social innovation includes new products, processes, services, organisational arrangements, technologies, ideas, regulations, institutional forms, functions and roles, social movements and other forms of addressing social needs (Kadeřábková and Saman, 2012[4]). In parallel with the Strategy, a call for proposals on social innovation promotes the integration of underserved groups into society and the labour market, with a focus on creating innovative tools to enable multi-source funding of social services.
The MoLSA and the Ministry of Education are the two main Managing Authorities overseeing ESF operational programmes. Over the 2014-20 programming period, Czechia received EUR 4.5 billion in ESF funding – including both EU and national co-financing – representing 12.9% of the European Structural and Investment Funds allocated to the country. The Operational Programme Employment, managed by the MoLSA, focuses on employment, social inclusion, and related initiatives, while the Ministry of Education manages the Operational Programme Research, Development and Education, which aims to enhance the quality of education, support research and development, and improve human resources in research and education. ESF intervention areas for 2014-20 were, in order of amounts allocated: (1) Sustainable & Quality Employment, (2) Educational & Vocational Training, (3) Social Inclusion, and (4) Efficient Public Administration (European Commission, 2025[5]).
In Czechia, the ESF+ is managed exclusively at national level by the Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs and the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sports. While the Ministry of Labour is responsible for the implementation of the Employment+ programme focusing on re-skilling and social inclusion, the Ministry of Education oversees a programme dedicated to children and young people (see Figure 1).
Source: Authors’ own elaboration based on information provided by Czechia.
The micro-nursery initiative addresses critical needs in early childhood education and care (ECEC). Following a significant decline in public childcare facilities since 1989, the availability of affordable and quality childcare became a pressing issue in Czechia, particularly for children under four. The project targets parents, mainly mothers, who face barriers in re-entering the labour market due to a lack of suitable childcare options. This challenge is exacerbated by evolving family structures, delayed parenthood, and a lack of accessible care for the youngest children. By providing small-group, professional childcare, the project aims to alleviate these constraints, promote work-life balance and support family stability (Horpeniaková and Veselková, 2021[6]).
The micro-nursery model is an innovative approach to childcare that addresses gaps in the institutional childcare system while supporting labour market integration of parents, in particular mothers. Unlike traditional kindergartens, micro-nurseries cater for children from the age of six months and meet the needs of working parents, particularly mothers, who seek to balance professional and personal responsibilities. The initiative has significantly impacted parental employment and work-life satisfaction. Surveys reveal that micro-nurseries have facilitated mothers’ transitions from part-time to full-time work, increased household income, and improved overall well-being. For many families, these nurseries have been the only viable childcare option, emphasising their critical role in fostering social inclusion and economic participation (Horpeniaková and Veselková, 2021[6]).
The project faced challenges such as high demand, regional disparities and financial engagement over time. Many micro-nurseries operated at full capacity, leading to waiting lists and unmet needs. Regional disparities were stark, with some areas, like the Liberec region, lacking any facilities. Additionally, long-term viability was a concern, as the model's continuity depended heavily on ESF funding.
Tailored solutions were implemented to address these challenges. Solutions to high demand involved working with municipalities to secure premises and promote services, reducing operational costs, and enhancing community buy-in. Regional disparities were addressed by prioritising equitable distribution and incentivising the establishment of micro-nurseries in underserved regions, with municipalities promoting services locally to facilitate that less-served areas benefit from the initiative. Financial engagement over time was improved by including municipal co-financing and fee structures to allow accessibility while maintaining operational viability (Horpeniaková and Veselková, 2021[6]).
The ESF played a major role in the creation and expansion of micro-nurseries. On infrastructure development, it helped establish 62 new facilities across Czechia, expanding access to underserved regions. It did so by covering operational costs, including staff and rent, allowing founders to focus on quality care without imposing excessive fees on parents. ESF also supported pilot programmes that have demonstrated the model’s effectiveness and laid the foundation for future state-funded initiatives. In terms of capacity building, ESF resources strengthened stakeholders’ skills and encouraged collaboration between municipalities, service providers and families (Horpeniaková and Veselková, 2021[6]).
References
[5] European Commission (2025), “Cohesion Open Data Platform - Czechia”, https://cohesiondata.ec.europa.eu/countries/CZ/14-20.
[2] European Commission (2025), “Social Economy at a Glance - Czechia”, https://social-economy-gateway.ec.europa.eu/my-country/czechia_en.
[6] Horpeniaková, M. and E. Veselková (2021), “Final Evaluation Report from the Pilot Testing of a New Service for the Care of the Youngest Children”, Final Report.
[4] Kadeřábková, A. and S. Saman (2012), “Guide for the Development and Implementation of Innovative Projects”, Prague: Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs (MLSA).
[3] MoLSA (2014), “Social Inclusion Strategy 2014-2020”, https://www.mpsv.cz/documents/20142/953611/Strategie_EN.pdf, Vol. Prague.
[1] OECD (2023), “Country Fact Sheet: Czechia”, https://www.oecd.org/content/dam/oecd/en/topics/policy-sub-issues/social-economy-and-social-innovation/country-fact-sheets/country-fact-sheet-czechia.pdf (accessed on 22 May 2025).
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