Mexican president pushes ‘voucher’ system for day cares

MEXICO CITY – Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador is facing opposition from day care advocates after he cut direct funding for government-run and concessionary child care centres.

The current system allows parents to sign up for low-cost care based on their place of employment or residence, but the centres have been plagued by abuse scandals and faulty installations. One such centre burned in 2009, killing 49 children.

Lopez Obrador instead plans to give parents about $85 every two months for each of their children and let them choose their own day care.

This voucher-type system faced criticism from Mexico’s Senate, especially after administration officials suggested families pay grandparents to care for children.

The Senate passed a non-binding resolution Thursday calling for renewed direct funding and better regulations for existing centres.