Assessing needs of children for childcare at Allama Iqbal Open University

Abstract

The present study aimed to assess the children needs for childcare at daycare centre of Allama Iqbal Open University Islamabad. Childcare is an important area for research as it directly affects the life of working women in an organization. The University has a daycare centre to facilitate those female employees having kids. It is situated in the main campus of the university. The mothers usually place their offspring in the daycare due to the need to work. The mothers visit daycare centre during duty hours and during break. The present study assessed the working conditions of the daycare centre and suggest some possible interventions for quality provisions and facilities at the daycare centre. It was a need assessment survey. The population of the study included mothers, daycare workers, ayas and members of the management committee of the daycare centre of AIOU. Data was collected through interview, checklists and observations of the care workers with children. It was a need assessment study. A checklist was used to record existing facilities at daycare. While, an interview was conducted regarding awareness, opinion and vision of the mothers and caregivers. Results indicated that the day care centre was equipped with necessary facilities. However, some of the facilities need to provided/upgraded. The study recommended active role of the parents in affairs of the daycare centre.