Brazilian Federal Universities Launch UniCuidotecas Childcare Center Call

The Ministry of Education (MEC), together with the Ministry of Development and Assistance Social (MDS), announced the UniCuidotecas strategic call, inviting federal universities to apply by 1 August. Up to 50 institutions may receive funding to create free childcare spaces for children of students, faculty, staff and outsourced night‑shift workers. The centers will serve children aged 3 to 12, with a capacity of up to 40 children, operating primarily between 5 p.m. and 11 p.m. and also on weekends, holidays and school breaks.

Selected universities will obtain resources to cover furniture, accessibility equipment, educational materials, staff salaries, food, cleaning and maintenance for a 12‑month period. Funds cannot be used for large structural renovations; the university must provide suitable physical space. Proposals are scored out of 100 based on documented demand (40 %), socio‑economic vulnerability of students measured by the National Student Assistance Program (20 %), regional coverage favoring the North and Northeast (25 %), and available infrastructure and institutional support (15 %). Applications must be submitted electronically to the designated email address.