The Dominican Republic, celebrated for its beautiful Caribbean coastline, continues to face significant challenges in expanding access to quality childcare and early education. Despite national efforts to improve these services, only about 18% of children under the age of 5 are currently covered by daycare services nationwide, highlighting the urgent need for expanded access, especially in rural and low-income areas¹. Public childcare facilities are often overcrowded, under-resourced, or situated far from families who need them most. As a result, many children miss out on crucial early development opportunities, and families face long waiting lists or costly alternatives that are not feasible for everyone.
At the local level, daycare centers such as those in Tamboril experience even greater difficulties. Many operate in rented or temporary spaces that constrain capacity and prevent the implementation of consistent, enriching programming. These limitations reduce the number of children who can be served and diminish access to essential early childhood education and social support.² Families frequently have no choice but to rely on informal care or leave children without structured learning environments, delaying critical developmental progress during formative years.³
To address these pressing needs, HXP Builders will collaborate with community partners in Tamboril to build a new dedicated classroom for a daycare center. This facility will offer a safe, stable, and sustainable space designed to support children’s growth and learning. By establishing a permanent, quality daycare environment, this project seeks to empower families and enhance early childhood development outcomes across the Dominican Republic, creating stronger foundations for children’s futures.
Sources:
¹ UNICEF
² World Bank
³ IDB