Day Care Research Articles

Effectiveness of Walking Exercise in Improving Physical Fitness and Depression in Patients With Schizophrenia.

Patients with schizophrenia often lack physical activity, which, together with physical complications, can lower their expected lifespan. Exercise strengthens their physical and mental health. The primary aim of this study was to examine the effectiveness of a walking exercise intervention in improving physical fitness, body mass index, waist-to-hip ratio, and depressive symptoms in patients with schizophrenia. A quasi-experimental study design was used. Seventy-six participants were recruited from the psychiatric daycare center at a hospital in Northern Taiwan. They were divided into two groups. The intervention group received a walking exercise intervention, while the control completed their daily courses at the psychiatric daycare center. The changes in both groups' physical fitness, BMI, waist-to-hip ratio, and depressive symptoms were monitored. Cardiorespiratory endurance significantly improved in the intervention group, attesting to the effectiveness of the walking exercise intervention. Their depression level significantly decreased across all measurement stages. The group walking exercise reduced sedentary behaviors and increased the participants' autonomous motivation, hip circumference, and cardiorespiratory fitness. Structured exercise programs may increase the patients' hippocampal neuroplasticity and reduce their depressive symptoms. The walking exercise intervention positively affected physiological traits, physical fitness, and mental health of the participants.

Analyzing and Optimizing the Distribution of Blood Lead Level Testing for Children in New York City: A Data-Driven Approach.

This study investigates blood lead level (BLL) rates and testing among children under 6 years of age across the 42 neighborhoods in New York City from 2005 to 2021. Despite a citywide general decline in BLL rates, disparities at the neighborhood level persist and are not addressed in the official reports, highlighting the need for this comprehensive analysis. In this paper, we analyze the current BLL testing distribution and cluster the neighborhoods using a k-medoids clustering algorithm. We propose an optimized approach that improves resource allocation efficiency by accounting for case incidences and neighborhood risk profiles using a grid search algorithm. Our findings demonstrate statistically significant improvements in case detection and enhanced fairness by focusing on under-served and high-risk groups. Additionally, we propose actionable recommendations to raise awareness among parents, including outreach at local daycare centers and kindergartens, among other venues.

Barriers and Facilitators to the Applicability of Adult Daycare Centers in Saudi Arabia: A Qualitative Study.

Adult daycare centers (ADCs) enable older adults to socialize and enjoy planned group activities while receiving healthcare services. These centers also assist caregivers by empowering them to remain in the workforce. This study aims to explore the challenges in establishing ADCs in Saudi Arabia (SA) from the perspectives of healthcare professionals, healthcare policymakers, older adults, and caregivers. Additionally, this study's objective is to identify the barriers, facilitators, and applicability of ADCs in SA. A qualitative study was conducted using semi-structured individual interviews. Inductive and deductive thematic analyses were employed to identify common themes regarding the barriers and facilitators to the applicability of ADCs in SA. Five researchers independently examined the transcripts using inductive analysis. Deductive analysis mapped the themes to Campinha-Bacote's cultural competence model. Data were collected from 46 participants, including caregivers, older adults, healthcare professionals, and healthcare policymakers. The findings highlight that the main facilitators to establishing ADCs in SA are the expected positive impact on the psychological and physical well-being of older adults and their caregivers. Conversely, cost and transportation, in addition to cultural considerations are possible barriers. This study identified the perceived benefits of ADCs for older adults and caregivers from a Saudi societal perspective. Thematic analysis showed that ADC's applicability in SA is possible, with some modifications to fit within the Saudi context. Additional efforts are necessary to promote the concepts and services that ADCs provide for older adults and to encourage support for these centers by non-profit organizations and the government.

Can sound field amplification be of use in daycare centres? An explorative pilot study

This study evaluates the effects of Sound Amplification Systems (SFA) on reducing vocal strain in daycare staff and enhancing children's concentration in noisy environments. Utilizing a mixed-methods approach, structured questionnaires were distributed to 11 daycare staff members in Turku, Finland, to gather both quantitative and qualitative data on their experiences with SFA. The analysis revealed that SFA significantly lowered vocal strain for staff, especially during group activities, and improved children's engagement by making speech more intelligible amidst background noise. However, practical challenges such as SFA mobility and adaptability in diverse settings were identified. The findings suggest SFA's potential benefits in early childhood educational settings, while also highlighting the need for further research to address implementation challenges and confirm these preliminary results with a larger participant sample.

Quality improvement through team development: the role of headteachers in Early Childhood Education settings in Germany

ABSTRACT Research shows the importance of leadership for quality development in settings of Early Childhood Education [ECE] (Anders and Oppermann 2024). This study investigated how headteachers of ECE settings in Germany pursue the goal of team development as a prerequisite for quality development and use external expertise for this purpose. Twenty-two heads who took part in the federal initiative ‘core day-care centres: language and instruction’ (Federal Ministry for Family Affairs, Senior Citizens, Women and Youth, 2011–2015) were interviewed in this qualitative study. Findings suggest that team development is something that headteachers generally leave to external professionals and need support in developing their self-image as leaders.

Impact of COVID-19 Pandemic on Caregivers of Children with Neurodevelopmental Disabilities: A Qualitative Study

Background/Aim: It is well known that caregivers of children with neurodevelopmental disabilities (NDD) face challenges. These challenges increased further due to the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic and the related restrictions. There was very little data from India on these challenges. This study was done with the primary aim to gain insights about the challenges faced by parents of children with NDD through their personal stories. Methods: Participants were recruited using purposive sampling method and semi-structured interviews were conducted through a telephone or in person. Data saturation was achieved by the sixth participant and 2 more interviews were performed for further confirmation. Interviews were transcribed, and a 7-step Colaizzi’s phenomenological method was used to identify different themes. Results: The impact of COVID-19 on caregivers of children with NDD can be summarized into 4 broad themes. First, there were challenges related to “therapy” which included closure of day-care centers and schools, inaccessibility to professionals, and disruption in home-based learning. Second, there were “child” related challenges which included inappropriate behaviors. Third, there were “family” challenges which included misunderstandings between parents and difficulties in adhering to family routines. Lastly, there were “personal” challenges related to physical and psychological health. Conclusion: The personal stories of caregivers of children with NDD highlight the pressing need to provide appropriate support and formulate holistic models to enhance well-being of caregivers during difficult periods.

그림책을 활용한 푸드아트 오감놀이가 영아의 놀이성과 창의성에 미치는 효과

This study aims to investigate the effects of five senses play using picture books and food art on the playfulness and creativity of infants. The subjects of the study were 24 two-year-old infants from S Daycare Center in M City (12 in the experimental group) and S Daycare Center in Y County (12 in the control group). The experimental group participated in five senses play using picture books and food art, while the control group engaged in activities based on the standard childcare curriculum themes. The experimental treatment was conducted 12 times over six weeks, from November 1 to December 7, 2023. The study examined the differences in playfulness and creativity between the infants who participated in the sensory play program using picture books and food art and those who did not. The results showed statistically significant differences in playfulness and creativity between the experimental and control groups. To support these quantitative data analysis results, teacher observation logs and post-interview results were also analyzed, revealing specific ways in which five senses play using food art enhanced the infants' playfulness and creativity. Finally, based on the analysis of both quantitative and qualitative data, several implications of the study were suggested.

만 5세 유아의 문제해결중심 협동동작활동과 교사주도 협동동작활동의 효과비교: 자아존중감, 또래상호작용, 창의적 리더십을 중심으로

Objectives This study was to coMpare between ProbleM Solving-based Collaborative MoveMent Activities and Teacher-based AssessMent Collaborative MoveMent Activities and to exaMine the effects of ProbleM Solving- based Collaborative MoveMent Activities on self-esteeM, peer interaction, creative leadership of 5-year-old children. Methods A total of 12 experiMental treatMents were conducted on 20 children aged 5 (experiMental group) and 20 children aged 5 (control group) at Daycare Center I in Seoul, Korea. Self-esteeM, peer interaction, and creative leadership of the experiMental and control groups were Measured and coMpared before and after the experiMent, and the collected data were analyzed using independent saMples t-test. Results ProbleM Solving-based Collaborative MoveMent Activities were associated with higher Mean scores in children's self-esteeM, peer interaction, and creative leadership coMpared to teacher-led collaborative activities, and these differences were statistically significant. Conclusions The findings suggest that early childhood education and care settings need to provide probleM-solving opportunities for young children to solve their own probleMs, challenge theMselves to find answers to probleMs, and experiMent.

유아교사의 놀이신념과 유아 놀이성의 관계에서 교사 놀이지원역량의 매개효과

The purpose of this study was to examine the mediating effect of early childhood teacher’s play support competency on the relationship between teachers' play beliefs and children's playfulness. To this end, a questionnaire was administered to 246 classroom teachers of 3-5 year olds in daycare centers and kindergartens in B, U, and K cities. To analyze the final 246 collected data, descriptive statistics, one-way analysis of variance, pearson correlation coefficient analysis, and mediation effect analysis were conducted using SPSS 25.0. The results of the analysis are as follows. First, there were differences in their play support competency depending on the type of organization they work for and their final education level. Teachers' play support competency was significantly higher in workplace daycare centers than in public kindergartens, and teachers who graduated from graduate school were significantly higher than teachers with less than a college degree. Second, early childhood teachers' play beliefs, play support competency, and children's playfulness were positively related. Third, teachers' play support competency were found to have a partial mediating effect on the relationship between teachers' play beliefs and children's playfulness. Based on these results, the relationship between teachers' play beliefs, play support competency and children's playfulness was discussed. And implications for preservice and in-service teacher education were presented.

보육교사의 그릿과 놀이지원역량과의 관계에서 놀이교수효능감의 매개효과

This The purpose of this study is to verify the mediating effect of play teaching efficacy in the relationship between grit recognized by daycare center childcare teachers and play support capabilities. To this end, data were collected from 257 childcare teachers, and the main research results are as follows. First, it was found that the grit of daycare center childcare teachers had a statistically significant positive (+) effect on the play support competency. Second, it was found that the grit of daycare center childcare teachers had a statistically significant positive (+) effect on the play teaching efficacy. Third, the play teaching efficacy of daycare center childcare teachers had a statistically significant positive (+) effect on the play support competency. Finally, it was found that the grit of daycare center teachers had a statistically significant effect on the play support competency through the play teaching efficacy as a medium. Based on the above research results, this study aims to provide basic data to effectively improve the play support capabilities of childcare teachers, and to prepare important guidelines for implementing infant and play-oriented curriculum in childcare sites.

Pedagogical boundary work: when the welfare state becomes entangled with family affairs

ABSTRACT In recent years, early interventions concerning children living in social housing areas have received increased political attention, resulting in a range of pedagogical strategies for identifying children and families at risk within Danish daycare institutions. Drawing on empirical material from a recent research project that was carried out in four Danish daycare centers, this article explores pedagogical work that moves beyond the physical and social boundaries of the daycare center and enters family life. Thus, Pedagogues do not solely focus on children’s learning and development, but also on the conditions that promote the well-being of both children and their families. When pedagogues support families in their conduct of everyday life, the welfare state is enacted in and through its relations, both in everyday life and across the division between private and public. The state becomes an ‘intimate state’, resulting in blurred lines and ‘in-between’ positions, as well as new action possibilities and risks for both parents and pedagogues.

Differences in Marital Satisfaction and Intention for Subsequent Childbirth by Latent Profile of Family Values among Parents with Young Children in Korea.

The focus is on family values, marital satisfaction, and the intention for subsequent childbirth. By classifying parents based on family values and examining marital satisfaction and the intention for subsequent childbirth within these groups, the study will provide insights into future childbirth trends and identify factors influencing the intention for subsequent childbirth among different groups. This study was conducted with parents of children aged 0 to 5 attending six daycare centers in Korea, using a questionnaire to gather responses regarding family values, intention for subsequent childbirth, and marital satisfaction. Descriptive statistics were employed to analyze the characteristics of the key variables, and latent profile analysis was conducted to classify latent groups based on family values. In the verification of differences, the three-step approach was used. First, the latent profile analysis revealed three groups: the 'neutral values group' with lower emphasis on gender roles compared to other group, the 'individualistic values group' with lower values on marriage and children but higher emphasis on gender roles, and the 'family-centered values group' characterized by higher levels of various sub-factors in overall family values. Second, comparing marital satisfaction and intention for subsequent childbirth among latent groups, the FCVG showed significantly higher levels than the TVG and the IVG. In their marriages, couples differed in the values they held regarding parenting, marriage, and children. Therefore, maintaining strong values in marriage and parenting and establishing a family serve as the foundation for realizing new selfhood through parenthood. Simultaneously, forming values within the new roles of being a spouse and a parent is crucial.

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.