The COVID-19 pandemic caused widespread disruption to early childhood education and care services worldwide, affecting children’s well-being and placing unprecedented caregiving burdens on families. This paper compares the childcare-related social policy responses in three countries representing distinct welfare regimes: South Korea (Productivist/East Asian), France (Conservative-Corporatist), and the UK (Liberal). Focusing on four key domains – ECEC services, family leave, work environment, and financial support – it examines how each country addressed childcare challenges during the pandemic. The findings show that, while some similarities emerged in responding to shared challenges, the policy responses diverged considerably. These differences were shaped not only by pandemic-specific health strategies but also by pre-existing welfare structures and childcare systems. France utilised its strong public infrastructure and introduced special childcare leave; Korea expanded temporary family leave and financial aid while relying heavily on informal care; and the UK prioritised employment protection with limited direct caregiving support. The study underscores the importance of institutional flexibility and multi-layered care systems in building crisis-resilient childcare policies.

Crystalline and pore-free films of α–Fe2O3 were prepared on hydrophilic self-assembled organic monolayers (DTT-SAMs) at 80 °C. Subsequently, Fe3O4 and γ–Fe2O3 films were synthesized via post annealing of as-deposited α–Fe2O3. In situ patterning of crystalline iron oxide thin layers was achieved via microcontact printing (μCP) and selective deposition. μCP was used to pattern two different surface moieties of self-assembled organic monolayers (SAMs) on Au–Cr–Si substrates. An elastomeric stamp was used to transfer either hexadecanethiol (HDT) SAMs, which are to sustain deposition of iron oxide precipitates, or hydrophilic SAMs [e.g., dithiothreitol (DTT)]. Selective deposition was realized through precipitation of iron oxide phases. Iron oxide films were deposited onto hydrophilic SAMs, but not onto HDT surfaces. Line (width of <1 μm) patterns in crystalline α–Fe2O3 thin films were obtained.

In situ patterning of crystalline iron oxide thin layers has been achieved via microcontact printing (μCP) and selective deposition. μCP was used to pattern two different surface moieties of selfassembled organic monolayers (SAMs) on Au/Cr/Si substrates. An elastomeric stamp (poly(dimethylsiloxane); PDMS) having a submicron-size patterned relief structure was used to transfer either hexadecanethiol (HDT) SAMs, which are to sustain deposition of iron oxide precipitates, or hydrophilic SAMs (e.g. dithiothreitol (DTT)). Selective deposition is realized through precipitation of iron oxide phases from aqueous solutions at ambient temperature (<100°C). Aqueous solutions of 0.05 M of iron nitrate (Fe(NO3)2•9H20) containing urea under nitric acid (pH < 2) were prepared for selective depositions. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopic (XPS) results showed that iron oxide precipitates were deposited onto hydrophilic SAMs, but not onto HDT surfaces. As-deposited films onto DTT-SAM surfaces at 80°C were crystalline α-Fe2O3 (hematite). Fe3O4 and γ-Fe2O3 films were synthesized via annealing of as-deposited α-Fe2O3. Scanning electron microscopy, x-ray diffractometry, vibrating sample magnetometry, and optical microscopy were used to characterize the films' microstructures and properties.