The impact of daycare programmes on child health, nutrition and development in developing countries: a systematic review

The authors conducted a systematic review of impact evaluations of daycare interventions on the health, nutrition and development of children under five in low-income and middle-income countries. The review was limited to intervention studies controlling for potential self-selection of beneficiaries. Papers were excluded based on study scope, type and quality. Only six studies (conducted in Latin America) met the inclusion criteria. Large positive effects on child development were found. Because of the limited evidence, no conclusions can be drawn regarding the impact on child health and nutrition. More rigorously conducted studies on the impact of daycare programmes in developing countries are needed.