Brazil UniCuidotecas University Childcare Program

In late July 2026 Brazil’s Ministry of Education (MEC) and the Ministry of Development and Social Assistance (MDS) launched the UniCuidotecas strategic call, inviting up to 50 federal universities to create free childcare spaces for children aged 3 to 12, including those with disabilities. The initial announcement detailed funding for furniture, accessibility equipment, educational materials, staff salaries, food, cleaning and maintenance for a 12‑month period, and set an application deadline of 1 August.

A few days later the ministries clarified the deadline, moving it to 1 May and outlining specific submission requirements such as a work plan, signed commitment term, architectural drawings, site photographs and data on night‑time student and staff numbers. The program’s aim—to support night‑shift students, faculty and staff, especially women—remained the same, with funding covering equipment and operating costs but excluding major structural renovations.