In 2025, Brazil saw a decline in the number of children enrolled in early childhood education, as reported by the School Census released by the Ministry of Education (MEC). This decline is noteworthy as it indicates a reversal of the upward trend observed in previous years. The data shows that the number of children aged 0 to 3 years enrolled in daycare fell by 0.13%, dropping from 4,187,691 in 2024 to 4,182,646 in 2025. The reduction in private school enrollments, which saw a 2.47% decrease, was a significant factor contributing to this trend, despite an increase of 1.5% in public school enrollments.

This marks the first decline in early childhood education enrollments since 2021, a period significantly impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. After the pandemic, enrollments had been recovering, but the recent data raises concerns about the sustainability of this recovery. The enrollment numbers in preschool, which caters to children ages 4 and 5, remained stagnant across both public and private sectors, indicating potential challenges in attracting families to early education during this period.

The implications of this decline are profound, as decreased enrollment in early education settings may affect long-term educational outcomes for children. Early childhood education is crucial for developmental milestones, and a reduction in participation could hinder children's readiness for primary schooling. Policymakers and educational leaders will need to analyze these trends closely and develop strategies to promote participation in early education programs, ensuring that future generations have access to foundational learning opportunities.