Young Children (4–8 years) in Group Care: Development and Validation of a Group Climate Instrument

Abstract

It is widely recognized that young children in group care can benefit from a positive group climate. This is usually monitored from the caregiver’s perspective. This study describes the development and validation of the Group Climate Instrument for Children aged 4 to 8 years (GCIC 4–8), which aims to measure the quality of group climate, based on the views of the young children themselves. A confirmatory factor analysis of the GCIC 4–8 was performed on data of 116 children in Dutch (semi) residential youth care, followed by an analysis of the internal consistency reliability of the scales. An adequate fit of a two-factor model (positive and negative climate) indicated construct validity of the GCIC 4–8. Reliability coefficients were sufficient. The GCIC 4–8 can be used to measure positive and negative aspects of group climate in (specialized) group care. Using this instrument on a regular basis can help group workers to better understand the dynamics in their group, enabling them to make continuous improvements as a team, thereby helping the children in their personal and social development.