Childcare refers to the care and supervision of children, particularly when provided by the government, an organization, or an individual while parents are at work or otherwise unavailable.
“Care for children, especially that provided by either the government, an organization, or a person while parents are at work or are absent for another reason.” — Cambridge Dictionary
The term broadly includes both professional and informal arrangements, ranging from daycare centers to family-based care.
Author’s summary:
Childcare means supervised support and care of children by others when parents cannot be present, typically through formal or informal services.