Child care in Myanmar

I have been in Yangon to look around for daycare centers but haven't really found at least one yet. I am really concerned for my youngest 4 year old child's safety while I am work and his siblings are at school. Is there any advice I can get to look after him? THANKS.

Hi,
I realize this thread started some time ago, so hope the following information will not be irrelevant now.

I haven't really noticed daycare centers here, per say. There are few international schools that offer pre-K and younger ages.  Network School (British curriculum) is the preferred choice for early education. I believe they start taking children at around age two; however, "school" only lasts for a few hours at that age and there are not extended hours. By age five, children are in school there from 9 (or 9:30) until 2ish.

To fill the void between school hours, many families hire nannies. House-help is relatively inexpensive here. The expat community generally posts on a google group called YEC (Yangon Expat Connection) seeking nannies or other household help. Staff are often recommended to individuals via that forum.

I hope this helps!

Thank you very much for your information, Becky. However, to what extent can my children's behavior be affected with being raised by a nanny? Can you suggest some schools that have 8am to 4pm-ish nursery class?

BV.

I don't think any of the schools have 8am-4pm nurseries, I'm afraid. Not that I am aware of.

I felt the same re: nannies to be honest. I always worked before we moved here + my daughter was in daycare. I preferred this.

Unfortunately, it just doesn't seem to be an option here; however,one of the positive thing about the nannies in Yangon are that they are connected with each other. They often know other nannies that take care of children of a similar age + set-up playgroups/playdates with other kids, so that helps with socialization.

My daughter is in Kindergarten + I do freelance writing from home, so I don't have a nanny; however, I do have someone who helps tidy up the house. She used to be a nanny for other families + is great with kids...so she is willing to occasionally babysit so my husband + I can go out.

I think you will find that - in general - Myanmar people are very loving + friendly/warm towards children. The main criticism I hear is sometimes it may be difficult setting boundaries + making sure that the nannies are not too easy on the children. I would be sure to find someone who you can communicate easily with and set very clear expectations from the out-set. You certainly can have someone who doesn't live at your home + doesn't work on weekends. The best way I know for finding domestic help is through YEC, the Yangon Expat Connection google group. If you post that you're looking for a nanny, then you will get people giving you recommendations.

Unfortunately, because there aren't daycare centers, this is really the only childcare option I'm aware of. I would also find that hard; however, I can say that I have met some lovely women who are nannies. And if you needed to meet some, then I'd be more than happy to talk to the nannies I've met + ask them if they know someone/have a friend who is available +  has worked with expat families.

I hope I'm not giving you misinformation re: nursery classes being very limited in the hours they provide; but I think I'm correct.

Good luck to you!

Thanks Becky. I am sure a nanny would be reliable, at least, more than a daddy who goes to work all day. So, I'll start requesting my fellow only-daddy-friends to get a nanny as soon as possible. Only if they cannot provide any contacts, can I ask you to help me?

Hi
I'm myanmar. I m trying to built an excellent pre-k school. so,pls advise for that. I'd like to join international childcare centre.

Hi, Becky: Thanks for posting. Others have recommended YEC, the Yangon Expat Connection to me for finding household help, but every time I try to register with my google account it rejects me-even though I live and work in Yangon. Any suggestions?

BTW-really enjoyed your blog on adjusting to life here. Great advice.

Tara