Day Care Research Articles

Beyond babysitting: an analysis of the quality of childcare service in Ethiopia

ABSTRACT Empirical evidence underscores the importance of investing in early childhood care to ensure its quality. This study examined the quality of child care in day-care centers in Bahir Dar and Gondar cities, Amhara region, Ethiopia, employing an embedded mixed-methods approach. Utilizing descriptive and inferential statistics, including t-tests, regression analysis, and thematic analysis, the research assessed both distal quality – encompassing environmental and staffing conditions – and proximal quality – focusing on caregiver–child interactions. The findings revealed significant deficiencies in distal quality, including inadequate space, activities, and staff qualifications. Proximal quality was also found to be lacking, with government centers exhibiting higher levels of harshness in caregiver interactions compared to private centers. Key factors influencing interaction quality were staff education, experience, and child-to-worker ratios. Despite existing regulatory standards, their enforcement was found to be inadequate. The study recommends that policymakers enhance and enforce regulations, improve staff training and invest in professional development. Further research should explore regulatory enforcement challenges and assess the long-term impacts of training improvements on care quality.

Enhancing Preschoolers' Independence through Toilet Training: A Case Study of Two Daycares in Semarang City

Toilet training is one of the important efforts in improving the independence and personal hygiene of preschool children, especially in the context of thaharah values in Islam. This study aims to describe the efforts to improve thaharah and independence of preschool children through toilet training in two daycare centers in Semarang City. This research used a qualitative approach with a case study approach model. Data were collected through observation, in-depth interviews with educators, and documentation. The results showed that both daycare centers have integrated the values of thaharah in their toilet training programs. The approaches used include habituation, modeling, and the use of language that is suitable for children's understanding. In addition to increasing independence in toilet use, the toilet training program also succeeded in fostering children's awareness of the importance of maintaining personal hygiene in accordance with religious teachings. Challenges faced in implementing toilet training include differences in children's characteristics, lack of parental support, and limited facilities. This study contributes to the development of toilet training programs that are oriented towards religious values. Recommendations include the importance of collaboration between educators, parents, and religious leaders in instilling the values of thaharah from an early age. In addition, it is necessary to develop a more comprehensive curriculum that integrates cognitive, affective, and psychomotor aspects in the toilet training process.

Raising the future together: Assessing the impact of the Chics program on primary caregivers in low-income daycares

Parental involvement in a child's school is crucial during early childhood, a critical period for skill-forming and neurodevelopment. However, the impact of early childhood programs on parents is understudied. This study evaluates the Chics program – which includes teacher training, an improved curriculum, and support meetings – on parental involvement in low-income daycares in South Africa, focusing on parents’ wellbeing, unity, knowledge, and agency. Focus groups and surveys with 126 parents showed the program had positive changes in parental unity, life satisfaction, and agency, encouraging community projects. The results could advice other programs to cost-effectively increase parental involvement in daycare centres.

보육교사의 자아탄력성과 교사-영유아 상호작용의 관계: 교사효능감의 매개효과

Objectives The purpose of this study is to investigate the mediating role of teacher efficacy in the relationship between self-resilience of childcare teachers and teacher-child interaction. Methods To this end, a survey was conducted on 258 childcare teachers working at daycare centers in J area. For the collected data, frequency and percentage, mean and standard deviation were calculated using the SPSS 24.0 statistical program, and correlation analysis and mediating analysis were performed. Results First, as a result of analyzing the correlation between self-resilience, teacher efficacy, and teacher-child interaction of childcare teachers, it was found that there was a significant positive correlation between each variable. Second, as a result of verifying the mediating effect of teacher efficacy in the relationship between self-resilience of childcare teachers and teacher-infant interaction, it was found to play a partial mediating role. Conclusions In this study, it was confirmed that teacher efficacy had a partial mediating effect in the relationship between self-resilience of childcare teachers and teacher-child interaction. Based on the research results, interest in teacher efficacy and measures to improve the quality of teacher-child interaction were discussed as mediating factors linking self-resilience and teacher-child interaction.

Parental Perception of Vulnerability, Child’s Temperament, and Health Locus of Control: Who Made You Boo-Boo?

Background: In Pakistan, where unintentional injuries among toddlers pose a significant public health challenge, understanding the factors that contribute to elevated injury risks is crucial. A two-dimensional approach including parental factors (internal/external health locus of control and perceived vulnerability) and child factors (the child’s temperament) is explored as contributing to the unintentional injury behaviors of toddlers. Method: The study involved 241 parents of toddlers aged 18–36 months from daycare centers in three major Pakistani cities who had observed multiple recent injuries in their children. The comprehensive online assessment, lasting 15–20 minutes, incorporated the child vulnerability scale, injury behavior checklist, parent health locus of control questionnaire, and early childhood behavior questionnaire. Demographic details included child and parent age distributions, with a focus on educational backgrounds. The participants comprised both fathers and mothers, and the data analysis employed Smart-PLS software for structural equation modeling. Result: The results suggested there is no direct relationship between parental health locus of control (internal/external) and injury behaviors in children. However, an indirect and significant path was observed from the parental health locus of control (internal/external) to perceived child vulnerability and injury behaviors through moderation of temperamental characteristics. Conclusion: Our research underscores the indirect link between parental factors, child temperament, and toddler injuries in Pakistan. Culturally sensitive interventions targeting parental awareness can play a pivotal role in safeguarding the well-being of the youngest members of society.

Adesão ao uso da estratégia NutriSUS para fortificação alimentar infantil em municípios de Goiás

Introduction: The high demand for nutrients in children under five years of age, added to low nutritious diets, makes them vulnerable to micronutrient deficiencies. The NutriSUS Strategy, launched as part of the School Health Program (PSE) in 2014, aims to combat these deficiencies through the distribution of micronutrient sachets. The effectiveness of this strategy in Goiás, considering the weaknesses in the municipalities, needs to be evaluated. The objective of this study was to verify adherence to the NutriSUS Strategy in municipalities in the state of Goiás and the list of sachets used by agreed and added day care centers. Methods: A retrospective observational study analyzed data on micronutrient supplementation provided by the NutriSUS Strategy in the state of Goiás, between 2017 and 2019. The database available on the Ministry of Health website was used to identify adherence and coverage of the program in 10 regional health departments. The inclusion criteria were municipalities that implemented the strategy during the period studied, while those that did not adhere or did not show interest were excluded. The analysis was performed using absolute and relative frequencies in the EPI Info 7.2.6.0 program. Results: The NutriSUS Strategy was implemented in 35 (14.23%) of the total municipalities (n=246). Micronutrient supplementation targets were constant throughout the period from 2017 to 2019, with some cities, such as Araguapaz, Britânia, and Santa Helena de Goiás, exceeding their supplementation targets in some of the periods, while others, such as Aragarças, Hidrolândia, Piracanjuba, São Luís de Montes Belos, and Buriti Alegre, did not reach the expected targets. The analysis, by semester of supplementation coverage in daycare centers, showed significant fluctuations: a drop in 2017 from 45.44% to 32.60% from the first to the second semester. In 2018, the percentage was 34.43% in the first half of the year, but there was a significant increase to 52.37% in the second half of the year. In 2019, coverage rose to an average of 61.63% in the first half, followed by a drop to 35.74% in the second half. The data also revealed variations in standard deviation, reflecting fluctuations in program adherence. Conclusion: The NutriSUS Strategy showed a variable implementation in the municipalities of Goiás in the period studied, with fluctuations in supplementation coverage over time. The analysis highlighted both success in some locations and difficulties in others, highlighting the importance of continuously monitoring and adjusting supplementation strategies to ensure that all counties adequately benefit children from micronutrient supplementation.

‘Fostering resilience: the impact of supportive organizational culture on mitigating burnout in early childhood educators’

ABSTRACT Caring for toddlers is a demanding profession that could lead to negative emotions and behaviors. The objective of this study was to examine the impact of a positive organizational climate, job satisfaction, and self-efficacy on burnout and commitment, in turn leading to the reporting of misconduct and turnover intentions among childcare teachers. The study included 1,190 female childcare teachers from 119 daycare centers throughout Israel. The findings indicate that workload contributes to burnout (B = -.27; SE = .02) and dissatisfaction (B = .60; SE = .01). Furthermore, the findings suggest that a positive organizational climate and strong employee-employer relationship are negatively correlated with employee burnout (r = −0.356; p < 0.001; r = −0.178; p < 0.001). The more supportive the organizational climate the less likely that employee burnout will occur. The study concludes that nurturing a supportive organizational climate and building a strong employee-employer relationship can reduce employee burnout and its consequences.

어린이집 교사의 일과운영 재구성 과정 탐구 - 민간어린이집 1개소를 중심으로

This study explored the process of reconstructing to healthy and orderly routine for both infants and toddlers and teachers based on the routine management that teachers experience in daycare center. To this end, we conducted action research with five teachers at a daycare center from April to May 2024, conducting four group interviews at one-week intervals and conducting non-participant observation four times for each teacher. The collected data are transcription data, observation journals and other data and the results were derived after analyzing according to the inductive analysis procedure of Lee Dong Sung and Kim Young Chun(2014). The process of reconstruction of teachers' routine management was in the following order: perceive reality, attempt to change, and waking up. Teachers recognize the problems and need for change in routine management and daily life habits guidance strategies, and daily life habits guidance strategies and role division among teachers and so on were changed, and routine managements were reorganized. In the process, teachers realized the need for method of guidance for the voluntary participation of infants and toddlers and the formation of order in their lives and need for effective cooperation between teachers. In addition, teachers became able to raise a problem themselves and make a plan to reconstruction their routine management. Based on the results of the study, improve to the process-oriented daycare center evaluation system, strengthening teacher education on daily life habits guidance and transition time management, plan and evaluation of daily life operations for autonomous participation of infants and toddlers, daycare center' management system change for systematic cooperation among teachers were suggested.

나트륨 줄이기 교육에 대한 유아와 교사의 경험과 교육적 의미 탐색

This study is a qualitative study that explores children’s and teachers’ experiences and educational implications of a sodium reduction education program implemented in a daycare center. The subjects of the study were a teacher and twenty 4-year-old children at a public daycare center located in Gyeonggi Province. The study was analyzed by categorizing program plans activity data, children’s and teachers’ experiences, photographs, and interviews data. As a results, the sodium reduction education program using the play-based approach with the ‘Mainashu’ character to help children understand the importance of sodium intake and acquire healthy eating habits. Children gained knowledge about sodium through play and daily routines and became interested in healthy eating habits. Through the play and daily activities related to home (or home-based activities), children were able to accept sodium reduction as an enjoyable experience and apply it to their real life. Meanwhile, although the teacher used various educational materials and methods to effectively convey the concept of sodium and its eating habits to the children, they still experienced difficulties due to the lack of appropriate models or visual materials. In addition, the lack of cooperation from families and the community led to the limitations of sodium reduction education and its effectiveness. Since the eating habits of young children are shaped by their parents and families, it is essential to engage with families in eating-related activities, and it is necessary to increase the educational effectiveness through continuous interaction.

Analysis of the Structural Relationships among Workplace Bullying, Burnout and Job Performance of Beginning Teachers at Daycare Centers: Focusing on the Mediating Effects of Positive Psychological Capital and Organizational Cynicism

Analysis of the Structural Relationships among Workplace Bullying, Burnout and Job Performance of Beginning Teachers at Daycare Centers: Focusing on the Mediating Effects of Positive Psychological Capital and Organizational Cynicism

A qualitative content analysis based on an extended parallel process model study of daycare center teacher behaviors concerning the eye health of preschool children

Purpose: This study is to explore the antecedent factors of daycare teacher behaviors concerning the eye health of preschool children by applying an extended parallel process model.Methods: Focus group interviews were conducted with ten daycare center teachers on September 4 and 14, 2023. A data analysis was performed according to the content analysis method by clustering the data into the four categories: the two threat factors of severity and susceptibility and the two efficacy factors of self-efficacy and response-efficacy.Results: Daycare center teachers’ perception of the severity of eye health problems in preschool children was high in relation to eye trauma, but it was recognized that viewing the electronic devices were of a less severe because symptoms were not noticed in a short period of time. They also showed low susceptibility because they were not sufficiently interested in the eye health hazard behaviors of preschool children. The self-efficacy of daycare center teachers was low because this was a lack of knowledge about symptoms of eye problems. However, they recognized that eye health activities performed in the preschool age could prevent negative eye health outcomes, thus showing a high response efficacy.Conclusion: In the future, it is necessary to increase the sensitivity and engagement of daycare center teachers concerning with the eye health of preschool children and to increase their self-efficacy. It will also be necessary to develop various interventions to improve eye health for preschool children that can be implemented by daycare center teachers.

어린이집 유형에 따른 보육교사의 영양지수, 지속가능한 식생활, 급식지도와의 관계 : 강원지역 중심으로

어린이집 유형에 따른 보육교사의 영양지수, 지속가능한 식생활, 급식지도와의 관계 : 강원지역 중심으로

Gelingens- und Hindernisfaktoren bei der Implementierung von Gesundheitsförderung in Kitas und Grundschulen anhand von 4 ausgewählten Projekten

ZusammenfassungHintergrundGesundheitsförderung (GF) ist eine komplexe, politisch geforderte Aufgabe. Die Implementierungsgüte korreliert mit der Wirksamkeit von GF. Sie erfolgreich zu implementieren, erfordert die Beachtung von Kontextbedingungen, was in Wirksamkeitsstudien eher unterbleibt. Ziel ist es, Gelingens- und Hindernisfaktoren für die Implementierung von GF in Kindertagesstätten und Grundschulen anhand von 4 Projekten (Fit fürs Leben, fit für pisa +, Buchprojekt Sonnige Traurigtage und The Daily Mile) in der Gesundheitsregion Göttingen/Südniedersachsen zu identifizieren. Die Auswirkungen der COVID-19-Pandemie werden als implementierungsrelevant für diese Projekte angenommen.MethodenIn 24 semistrukturierten Interviews und 2 Fokusgruppendiskussionen wurden im Zeitraum 08/2021–03/2022 hauptsächlich Lehrer*innen und Erzieher*innen zur Umsetzung der Projekte in ihren Tätigkeitsbereichen befragt. Nach Transkription wurde mittels qualitativer Inhaltsanalyse ausgewertet. Das Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research unterstützte die Analyse.ErgebnisseInsgesamt wurden 22 Faktorengruppen identifiziert, auf deren Basis 22 Handlungsempfehlungen für die Implementierung von GF formuliert wurden. Im Vordergrund standen Gelingensfaktoren auf der Individuen- und Interventionsebene. Die COVID-19-Pandemie wirkte sich positiv auf den Stellenwert der GF aus, obgleich ihre Umsetzbarkeit erschwert war.DiskussionZahlreiche Ergebnisse zur Implementierung von GF in kindlichen Lebenswelten konnten durch die Studie bestätigt werden. Auffällig ist der hohe Stellenwert der Individuenfaktoren, was sich auf die Befragung projektnaher Interviewpersonen zurückführen lassen könnte. Die Studienergebnisse tragen zur Weiterentwicklung von Implementierungsstrategien in der GF bei.

보육교사의 공감능력과 영유아 권리존중 간 관계

Objectives The purpose of this study is, first, to investigate the relationship between childcare teachers' empathy, respect for infants' rights, and childcare teachers' sensitivity, and secondly, to verify the mediating effect of sensitivity in the relationship between empathy and respect for infants' rights. Methods Empathy, respect for infants' rights, and sensitivity tests were conducted on 337 infant and toddler teachers at daycare centers located in South Chungcheong Province, Daejeon City, and Sejong City. Correlation analysis of each variable was conducted, and SPSS Process Macro Model 4 was used to verify the mediating effect of sensitivity in the impact of childcare teachers' empathy on respect for infants' rights. Results As a result of this study, first, it was found that childcare teachers' empathy, respect for infants' rights, and sensitivity were all significantly correlated. Second, the sensitivity of the childcare teacher completely mediated the relationship between respect for infants and children's rights. Sensitive interaction, a subfactor of sensitivity, fully mediated the relationship between the two variables, and insensitive interaction partially mediated the relationship between the two variables. Conclusions The results of this study showed the importance of enhancing childcare teachers' empathy and sensitivity in order to improve the quality of respect for infants' rights, and suggest the need to find intervention methods to help childcare teachers improve their sensitive interactions.

IPA 분석 기법을 활용한 영유아교사의 놀이지원에 대한 연구

Objectives The purpose of this study is to derive implications for improving play support in future educational settings through an IPA matrix analysis of the importance and implementation level of teachers' play support as perceived by infants and young children teachers. Methods For this purpose, a survey was conducted targeting 254 infants and young children teachers at kindergardens and daycare centers located in cities B and D. The collected data were analyzed using paired-sample t-test and IPA (Importance-Performance Analysis) techniques. Results First, the area with the greatest difference in importance and implementation of play support was the play space. Second, as a result of the IPA analysis, there were 14 items (56%) in the area of continuous maintenance strengths, 1 item (4.0%) in the area of improvement efforts, 7 items (28%) in the area of long-term improvement requirements, and 3 items (12%) in the 4th quadrant was distributed. The item that requires intensive improvement efforts to support desirable play was ‘Ask open-ended questions to help infants and young children expand their thoughts and thinking during the play process’ in the interaction area. And all four items of the play space area were located in the third quadrant, which requires long-term improvement. Conclusions This suggests that future improvements are needed to enable infants and young children teachers in the field to increase their level of implementation when supporting play, and it can be used as basic data to support infants and young children teachers who practice play-centered education in the future.

Effect of adult day care centre attendance on hypertension management.

Hypertension (HT) silently threatens one in three adults, especially older adults, who struggle with blood pressure (BP) control because of limited health access, poor adherence to medication and failure to make lifestyle changes. This increases their risk for heart disease, kidney failure and dementia. Fortunately, adult day care centres (ADCCs) offer hope. These community facilities provide daytime care, including health support services, social activities and exercise. This study investigated the perceived effect of adult daycare centre attendance on BP control and treatment adherence. A mainly descriptive study at MUCPP Community Health Centre (CHC) in Bloemfontein, South Africa, between July 2020 and September 2020, used questionnaires researchers completed during interviews. The researchers approached 372 hypertensive patients of a minimum of 60 years old and at least 2 years since being diagnosed. Of the 90 who attended ADCCs, 71.1% had controlled hypertension compared to 51.4% of those who did not. While treatment adherence showed no difference, a positive association between ADCC attendance and BP control is evident. The findings suggest a promising link between ADCC attendance and improved BP control in older adults with hypertension. Adult Day Care Centres warrant further exploration as it seems to be an encouraging support intervention for this vulnerable population.Contribution:This study highlights the positive impact ADCCs have on hypertension management in older adults, urging increased physician awareness and patient referrals.

Empowerment-based Teddy Bear Clinic for Pre-school Children: A Student-led Educational Project.

Nurses are at the forefront of providing health education for the general public and are leaders in developing health education programs for all ages. Research has shown that the pediatric population often experience anxiety surrounding common medical procedures. However, evidence-based health education has been shown to enhance self-management, increase knowledge, and decrease anxiety in the pediatric population. One such successful evidence-based health education approach designed for the pediatric population is the Teddy Bear Clinic. The purpose of this article is to report on the efficacy of a nursing student-led Teddy Bear Clinic designed to increase the awareness of common medical equipment and procedures in the pre-school pediatric population. This quality improvement project used a program evaluation design to assess the children's knowledge of common medical procedures and equipment. Participants were a convenience sample of 16 children aged 3-5 years old, attending one daycare center in a large city in Atlantic Canada. Findings showed that after participation in the clinic, the pre-schoolers reported a high level of knowledge of common medical equipment and procedures. This project shows that a Teddy Bear Clinic run by senior nursing students can promote community partnerships and enhance health knowledge in pre-school children.

Child Motor Development before and after the COVID-19 Pandemic: Are There Social Inequalities?

COVID-19 pandemic has influenced all children's motor development. We examine whether this differs by social circumstances. We hypothesise that socially disadvantaged children experienced more pronounced motor problems compared with better-off children. Our trend study includes three representative waves of preschoolers (school years 2018/19, 2019/20, 2023/24) from a German school enrolment medical screening. Based on logistic regressions, we computed predicted prevalences of motor problems separately for children in different social circumstances (neighbourhood, migration background, family status). Motor development of preschoolers slightly worsened by 2023 compared to pre-pandemic level (6.3 percent 2018 to 7.4 percent 2023). Results by neighbourhood highlight that preschoolers from well-off districts experienced a deterioration of motor development (4.9 percent 2018-6.4 percent 2023). The prevalence of motor problems is, however, below that of children from deprived neighbourhoods with consistently high prevalence (9.2-10 percent). Results by migration background show a worsening trend for children without migration background and the gap between the groups disappears in 2023. Results by family status do not indicate significant differences. Contrary to our hypothesis, socially disadvantaged children experienced smaller change in motor problems. However, our results highlight the potential of structured physical activities in daycare centres and sports facilities to enhance the motor development of these children.

A 3 month nutrition and exercise program improved hallux strength among senior daycare center users in Korea: a cluster randomized controlled trial.

With a growing aging population, the focus on the health and well-being of older adults, especially in preventing falls, becomes crucial. This 3 month study, initiated in July 2022, aimed to assess the impact of a nutrition and exercise program in senior daycare centers in Chuncheon, South Korea. A 3 month study, beginning in July 2022, included 204 older adults from 10 senior daycare centers in Chuncheon, South Korea. Randomly assigned to intervention or control groups, the intervention involved nutrition, daily toe exercises, or both. Control centers received interventions post-measurements. Pre- and post-intervention analyses used paired t-tests and multiple linear regression, assessing metrics like toe grip strength for significance. While 204 were initially enrolled, the analysis included 151 participants due to dropouts. Participants, with a mean age of 83.3 years (43.1% aged ≥ 85 years), exhibited mild to moderate cognitive impairment and multiple chronic illnesses. Health data indicated that 37.3% were obese, and the average BMI was 24.0 kg/m2. Both the intervention and control groups showed significant improvements in toe grip strength post-intervention. Specifically, the exercise-only and combined exercise-nutrition groups demonstrated significant differences in hallux strength compared to the control group after adjusting for age and gender. The study showed that a basic nutrition and exercise program increased toe strength in older adults with chronic diseases, including mild cognitive impairments. This intervention holds potential to prevent muscle strength decline and reduce fall risks in older individuals. As the first of its kind in Korean senior daycare centers, it emphasizes the need for future research and standardized programs for senior daycare users.

Physical literacy-based intervention for older adults: a cluster randomized controlled trial study protocol.

The ageing population creates concerns and challenges worldwide. The large number of older adults (aged over 65) in Hong Kong continues to rise as people live longer. This may result in heavy burdens on public services and problems such as a shortage of medical resources. The purpose of this study is to implement a physical literacy-based intervention among older adults in Hong Kong in order to achieve the goal of health promotion. A two-arm cluster randomized controlled trial will be employed in this proposed study. Ten daycare centers for the older adults in Hong Kong will be invited to participate in this study. The intervention group will receive functional fitness training and mastering physical literacy class twice a week with buddy peer support, and they will be asked to keep a reflective writing journal on a daily basis for 12 weeks in total. Participants will be evaluated at baseline (week 0), post-intervention (week 12), and at 6-week follow-up (week 18). This will consist of objective and self-reported measures covering elements within physical literacy (i.e., physical competence, motivation and confidence, knowledge and understanding) and also physical activity levels on an individual basis. The study intends to introduce a conceptual framework of physical literacy for the older adults through an intervention that allows older people to develop daily behaviour habits, which should promote active ageing for the older adults and greater self-esteem in later life. After this study, participants may share their positive experiences, and encourage their peers in the community to become physically literate in the future. In the long run, due to the feasibility and sustainability of these potential programs, this proposed study has the potential to connect seniors through social engagement and contribute to healthy living. Clinical trial approval from the National Library of Medicine (Reference number: NCT06137859).