RIYADH: There are now more than 1,900 licensed childcare centers in Saudi Arabia providing services to over 60,000 children, the Ministry of Human Resources said on Monday.

The ministry supervises the centers across 13 regions to ensure high quality services. They provide safe havens for children when their parents are not present, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

Childcare centers in the Kingdom offer a range of programs aimed at improving children’s cognitive and social skills, so they can speak clearly and express feelings.

The growth of services in 2025 reflects increased demand for early childhood development support, the SPA said.

The ministry’s services include independent centers that run from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. for children from birth to the age of 10.

There are also workplace centers that serve the children of employees during office hours, and mobile ones for those between 1 and 10.

Home centers care for children from birth to the age of 6; and there is also 24-hour provision for pilgrims in Makkah and Madinah.

The ministry has improved its online application process for those seeking licenses to operate. And is supporting providers financially through the Human Resources Development Fund.

It also provides consultations and guidance through specialized training workshops.

The ministry is updating legislation and raising the level of oversight to ensure a safe environment for the development of children.