Denmark daycare providers see high satisfaction amid recruitment crisis

A national survey published by the Danish Ministry of Children, Seniors and Housing reveals that daycare providers (dagplejere) receive the highest levels of parental satisfaction compared to other childcare options. Approximately 95 percent of parents using daycare services reported being satisfied or very satisfied, surpassing the 91 percent satisfaction rate for nurseries (vuggestuer).

Despite high satisfaction, the sector faces a significant decline. Data from FOA suggests that if current trends continue, daycare providers could effectively disappear by 2034. This decline is driven by recruitment challenges, as the role requires high responsibility, home inspections, and long hours.

Regional data shows a sharp decrease in providers; for instance, Odsherred Municipality has seen its number of daycare providers drop from 78 in 2016 to 49 a decade later. In Ringsted Municipality, the number of providers has fallen by more than 40 percent since 2022.