Time gap between termination of paid parental leave and eligibility for early childhood education and care services in Croatia

Ana Marija Sikiric Simcic ()
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Ana Marija Sikiric Simcic: University of Rijeka, Faculty of Economics and Business, Rijeka, Croatia

Public Sector Economics, 2025, vol. 49, issue 4, 591-614

Abstract: Parental leave is essential for supporting women’s participation in the labour market, while accessible and affordable childcare is equally important for their return to work. This study examines the care gap in Croatia, defined as the period between the end of paid parental leave and the start of early childhood education and care (ECEC). Data from an anonymous online survey were analysed using logistic regression to identify predictors of this gap. The results confirm its presence and show that it affects mothers disproportionately, as many adjust their employment during this period. The probability of a care gap is lower in larger local government units (LGUs) and for children born later in the year. These findings highlight the importance of aligning parental leave and ECEC enrolment policies to promote gender equality and support a better work-life balance for families.

Keywords: childcare; parental leave; care gap; gender equality Croatia (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: J13 J16 J18 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:ipf:psejou:v:49:y:2025:i:4:p:591-614

DOI: 10.3326/pse.49.4.4

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