Since 1953, the Department of Social Welfare has been operating social welfare services. Regarding Child Welfare Services, (2) residential nurseries, (32) Day Care Centers and (10) Pre-Primary schools were started as center-based services operating in 1962.

     Although parents take care of their children affectionately in accordance with Myanmar tradition, they are unable to take care of their children all the time at present due to the changing economic systems and social patterns since women’s participation in job placement.

     Moreover, some parents abandon their children because of their socio-economic hardship and lack of knowledge. Due to these factors, the more the numbers of abandoned children increase, the more number of children are in need of care and protection.

     Hence, from 1974 to 1988, the Department of Social Welfare extended the number of residential nurseries for abandoned children to (6) centers, (30) Day Care Centers and (16) Pre-primary schools. During that period, (569) Voluntary Pre-Primary schools were recognized and technically and financially supported.

     From 1988 to 1997, the Department established (24) Day Care Centers and (20) Pre-Primary Schools. From 1997 to 2003, the total number was as follows:

• Residential Nurseries for abandoned children  (6)
• Day Care Centers                                             (41)
• Pre-Primary Schools                                         (21)
• Voluntary Pre-Primary Schools                         (789)

     Currently, (5) residential nurseries and (68) Pre-primary Schools and (720) Voluntary Pre-primary Schools are recognized and operated. The former day care centers were renamed as pre-primary schools on 1 August 2003. Moreover, if the private pre-primary schools met the prescribed standards are being recognized since 2006.