Toddler Program Research Articles

FAKTOR-FAKTOR YANG BERHUBUNGAN DENGAN PERILAKU IBU DALAM PEMBERIAN IMUNISASI DASAR LENGKAP (IDL)PADA BALITA DI PUSKESMAS KOTO GASIB KABUPATEN SIAK

Basic immunization is a form of effort to prevent infectious diseases to improve the quality of life. There are many factors that cause mothers to be unwilling to immunize their babies, namely internal factors such as lack of information, knowledge and maternal attitudes. Apart from internal factors, external factors also influence the provision of immunizations to toddlers, such as family support, access to services, the role of officers, culture and others. This study aims to determine the factors related to maternal behavior in providing complete basic immunization (IDL) to toddlers. This type of research is quantitative with a cross sectional research design. The population is 472 mothers with toddlers and a sample of 98 people. The sampling technique is cluster sampling. This type of data collection uses primary data, where this activity is carried out directly by distributing questionnaires and primary data. Data analysis is carried out univariately and bivariately using the Chi Square test. There is a relationship between knowledge, attitudes, information media, family support, access to services and the role of officers with providing complete basic immunization to toddlers (p.value <0,05). It is hoped that the Community Health Center will provide information in the form of counseling to mothers of toddlers about immunization with the aim of increasing the complete basic immunization coverage program for toddlers.

Factors Influencing the Incident of Acute Respiratory Tract Infections in Children Aged 12-59 Months in Wallandimu East Nusa Tenggara

Background: Acute Respiratory Infection Disease is one of the highest causes of morbidity and mortality in children under five in Indonesia, especially in East Nusa Tenggara. The implementation of the ISPA disease control program focuses on finding and treating sufferers as early as possible by involving the active role of cadres, integrated health service support and referrals to related health facilities, however, these control efforts have not shown significant results. Purpose: The aim of this study was to determine the factors that influence the incidence of Acute Respiratory Infection Disease in children aged 12-59 months in the Wallandimu Community Health Center working area. Method: This research uses an analytical research design with a cross sectional approach. The population in this study were toddlers aged 12-59 months in the Wallandimu health center working area and the sample in this study was 30 toddlers. The sampling technique in this research was simple random sampling. The Chi-Square statistical test was used to determine the relationship between variables. Results: The results of the research from 18 respondents showed complete immunization status (76.7%), poor nutritional status (60.0%), and insufficient knowledge (56,7%) regarding the incidence of ISPA in the Wallandimu Health Center working area. The results of bivariate analysis showed no influence between immunization status and the incidence of ISPA (p= 0.896 > 0.05), there was an influence between nutritional status and the incidence of ISPA (p= 0.007 < 0.05), there was an influence between maternal knowledge and the incidence of ISPA (p = 0.010 < 0.05). Conclusion: It is hoped that the Wallandimu Community Health Center will further improve its health programs, especially the Acute Respiratory Infection Disease control program for toddlers and provide education regarding maternal knowledge and the dangers of malnutrition for toddlers, so that the incidence of Acute Respiratory Infection Disease in children aged 12-59 months will decrease.

Black Caregiver Perspectives During a Developmental Diagnostic Interview.

Despite increasing autism prevalence rates across racial and ethnic groups, research has traditionally overlooked the influence of culture on developmental diagnostic conversations. Addressing this gap in research is crucial to understanding and mitigating potential disparities in diagnostic experiences, especially among Black caregivers. Black caregivers encounter frustration and discrimination during the diagnostic process, citing dismissiveness and a lack of cultural competence from healthcare providers. To address these issues, this study centers the perspectives of Black caregivers as they participate in a developmental diagnostic program for toddlers under three years of age. This retrospective qualitative study, conducted exclusively by a Black research team, involved nineteen Black caregivers of thirteen toddlers as they participated in semi-structured interviews conducted by a multidisciplinary clinical team. The research team employed a conceptual content analysis to examine caregivers' descriptions of their children's behaviors and characteristics, as well as the factors and experiences associated with their descriptions. Caregivers provided distinct descriptions of behaviors and characteristics in the categories of language and communication, learning, and temperament, associating them with situational and dispositional factors and experiences. The findings offer valuable insights for implementing culturally responsive diagnostic practices. Additionally, these results may enhance the quality of caregiver-provider interactions during developmental assessment, leading to earlier and more accurate diagnoses for Black children.

Parents' online coaching in the early intervention home program for toddlers with autism spectrum disorder during the COVID-19 pandemic: Manual development and feasibility study.

Early intervention improves the developmental progress among toddlers with ASD. Family involvement enhances the intervention outcome. This study aimed to develop and test the feasibility of an early intervention home program manual for toddlers with ASD. Method: This study involved three phases: (I) formulation of manual concept and content design (II) manual development through focus group discussion (n = 10) and content validation by experts (n = 9); (III) cognitive interview (n = 6) and feasibility study (n = 8). Result: Content Validity Index (I-CVI) for the developed manual ranged from .78-1.0, S-CVI/Ave .96, and S-CVI/UA .79. Cognitive interview among six parents reported that the manual was easy to understand. The feasibility study reported all eight parents benefitted from coaching sessions. Approximately 87.5% of the respondents found the program benefited their children and could easily implement the activities in their daily routines. Approximately 75% of respondents reported having greater confidence in managing their child's behaviors at home. Parent coaching using the developed home program is feasible and accepted by parents of a toddler with ASD. Further study should be developed to explore the effectiveness of parent coaching using the manual.

Autocorrelation Spatial Based on Specific Nutritional Interventions Achievement with Stunting Cases in Toddlers at Kendari City Using Local Indicator of Spatial Autocorrelation (LISA) Method

Background:Stunting is a priority target both globally and in Indonesia. There are 10 provinces in Indonesia that are the main focus of the stunting reduction program, one of which is Southeast Sulawesi Province. Kendari City, located in Southeast Sulawesi, has experienced an increase in stunting incidence over the past three years. However, progress in reducing stunting in Kendari City has not been evenly distributed across its regions and sub-regions, with significant disparities in stunting rates between different sub-districts. Objective:To determine the spatial autocorrelation based on the achievement of specific nutritional interventions for toddlers and the incidence of stunting in Kendari City using the Local Indicator of Spatial Autocorrelation (LISA). Method:This quantitative study used the Local Indicator of Spatial Autocorrelation (LISA) method. The data on stunting incidence consisted of the number of stunting cases among toddlers in 2023 across 11 sub-districts in Kendari City. The sub-districts analyzed were Abeli, Baruga, Kadia, Kambu, Kendari, West Kendari, Mandonga, Nambo, Poasia, Puuwatu, and Wua-Wua. The study was conducted from November 2023 to May 2024 in Kendari City. A local autocorrelation test with LISA was performed to determine the spatial relationships among the sub-districts based on the research variables, with results displayed in the form of Moran's scatterplot, cluster map, and significance map. Results:The results of Moran's local bivariate test (LISA) indicated that the majority of sub-districts, particularly Kambu, exhibited significant positive autocorrelation with neighboring sub-districts and fell into the cold-spot category. This indicates that the number of specific nutritional intervention programs for toddlers and the cases of stunting in toddlers in 2023 were low in Kambu and its surrounding sub-districts, which also had similarly low values. Conclusion:There is spatial autocorrelation among the sub-districts in Kendari City. Although the cases of stunting in the Kambu sub-district are low, the achievement of intervention programs should remain optimal, as cases still exist in the area. Additionally, since Kambu has a spatial correlation with its neighboring areas, the government should target these areas for appropriate interventions to accelerate stunting reduction, particularly in Kendari City. Keywords:Spatial Autocorrelation; LISA; Specific Nutrition Interventions; Stunting Toddlers

The effect of nutritional risk management program on the growth and development of infants and toddlers with congenital heart disease after discharge.

To evaluate the effect of nutritional risk management program on the growth and development of infants and toddlers with congenital heart disease (CHD) after discharge. Infants and toddlers with CHD discharged from a children's specialized hospital in southeast China were selected as the research subjects. The subjects were divided into the intervention group and the control group. The intervention group underwent a nutritional risk management program combined with traditional follow-up after discharge, whereas the control group received traditional follow-up after discharge. The primary outcome measure were the height-for-age Z-score (HAZ), weight-for-age Z-score (WAZ), and weight-for-height Z-score (WHZ) at different time point and the percentage of growth and development curves were also recorded and analyzed. There were no statistically significant differences in general characteristics between the two groups. However, in the intervention group, the percentages of HAZ < -2, WAZ < -2, and WHZ < -2 were lower than those in the control group at 3rd and 6th months after discharge (P < 0.05). The percentage of growth and development curves (3%-97%) was higher than that in the control group (P < 0.05). The readmission rate within 6 months after discharge in the intervention group was lower than that in the control group (P < 0.05). Implementing nutritional risk management program for infants and toddlers with CHD after discharge can help improve postoperative malnutrition, promote growth and development and achieve catch-up growth as soon as possible.

Pemberdayaan Kader PKK Dalam Pencegahan Stunting di Kelurahan Gedong Jakarta Timur

Program implementation is a series of activities carried out by individuals or groups in the form of implementing activities supported by policies, procedures, and resources intended to bring results to achieve predetermined goals and objectives. This study aims to determine and explain the implementation of the stunting program through the Empowerment of Family Welfare (PKK) in Stunting Prevention and explain the obstacles to the implementation of the program through the Empowerment of Family Welfare (PKK) in Stunting Prevention in Gedong Village. This research uses descriptive qualitative methods, data collection by means of interviews, observation and documentation and the determination of informants using non-probability. The parties used as research subjects are administrators and members of the Family Empowerment and Welfare (PKK) in Gedong village and the object of research is the implementation of the stunting program for toddlers and mothers. The results of this study are evidenced by the existence of children with stunting getting better after the implementation of programs from the government, such as food intake with balanced nutrition monitoring height and weight in these toddlers every month. PKK cadres in Gedong Village in implementing programs to improve social welfare need to be carried out because the stages of implementing the stunting program have a positive impact on the beneficiaries of social services.

Program Temukan, Obati, Sayangi Balita Stunting (TOSS)

This research aims to analyze the effectiveness of the Find, Treat, Love Stunting Toddlers (TOSS) program in Kutanagara Village. The research method used is a qualitative research method with data collection techniques through interviews, observation and documentation. The technique for determining informants used was a purposive sampling technique with 9 informants. The results of the research show that the implementation of the TOSS program in Kutanagara Village is running effectively because it is in accordance with the previously determined program objectives, namely to reduce the stunting rate in Garut Regency so that it can reach 14% in 2024. In addition, the results released from the implementation of the TOSS program show positive output, where there was a reduction in the stunting rate in Kutanagara Village from 50 toddlers to 32 toddlers. However, improvements are still needed at the program socialization stage because the dissemination of information related to the program directly and indirectly is still limited and not updated. Thus, to increase the effectiveness of the TOSS program, it is recommended to carry out outreach activities related to the TOSS program more intensely and up to date. Keywords: Effectiveness, Find, Treat, Love Stunting Toddlers (TOSS) Program, Stunting

영유아 교사의 미디어 영향과 미디어 교육에 대한 인식

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to discover the media influence and perception of media education for infants and toddlers. Research questions for this were set as infant teachers' perception of media and infant teachers' perception of media education.&#x0D; Methods: For this study, a preliminary survey was conducted after composing a questionnaire through related prior research and literature analysis. This survey was conducted by wireless sampling infant teachers working in educational fields in Seoul and Gyeonggi Province and distributing data face-to-face and non-face-to-face from September 28, 2022, to October 31, 2022. A total of 290 copies of data were collected, but 268 copies of data were finally selected excluding twenty-two copies of unfaithful responses. For the collected data, frequency analysis, mean, standard deviation, skewness, and kurtosis were calculated according to the research questions using SPSS 29.0.&#x0D; Results: When the research results were presented according to the research questions, first, the media was recognized as affecting infants and toddlers. The biggest positive influence was the convenient acquisition of information and knowledge to solve questions in infancy when curiosity was high, and the biggest negative influence was to imitate the wrong actions and words of characters appearing in the media. In addition, among various media, digital media had an enormous influence and print media such as newspapers and magazines were recognized as having little influence. Second, there was a need for media education for infants and toddlers, and the leader of media education was recognized as a teacher. In addition, it was recognized that the most important goal of media education is to cultivate the habit of responsible and safe use of media.&#x0D; Conclusion: In conclusion, infant and toddler teachers should be able to use media in terms of education in consideration of its positive and negative influences. In addition, it is required that media education programs for infants and toddlers in development should reflect changes in the digital media environment, and it is necessary to cultivate teachers' capacity for media education through educational training for teachers.

Implementasi Program Pemberian Makanan Tambahan Pemulihan (PMT-P) pada Balita untuk Menurunkan Prevalensi Stunting di Puskesmas Kabupaten Jember

Jember Regency is included in the five cities/regencies with the highest prevalence of stunting in East Java, with a percentage ranging from 40-45%. One of the interventions for toddlers to reduce the prevalence of stunting is the Recovery Supplemental Feeding (PMT-P). The study aimed to study the implementation of the Recovery Supplemental Feeding (PMT-P) program for toddlers to reduce the prevalence of stunting. This is a qualitative approach. The data was collected by in-depth interviews and documentation. The results showed that the implementation of the PMT-P Program was not fully in accordance with the 2011 PMT-P Guidelines from the Indonesian Ministry of Health, the program implementers had good insight, knowledge, and response in implementing the PMT-P program. The output of the PMT-P program implementation was not in accordance with David C. Korten's theory of suitability. It is suggested to cook together among midwives, cadres, and mothers of target toddlers, create a community of toddlers’ mothers as a sharing platform about the implementation of Recovery Supplemental Food, and increase monitoring in the provision program for toddlers to ensure that supplemental food is actually consumed by the target toddlers.

CARIES EXPERIENCE IN CHILDREN WITH SEVERE EARLY CHILDHOOD CARIES

Aim: To assess the distribution and severity of dental caries and association with demographic factors in children with severe early childhood caries (S-ECC) in a university pedodontic clinic. Methods: A retrospective observational descriptive study was performed, analyzing the dental files of 165 Caucasian patients (96 boys), with mean age=3.79±10.15 years, diagnosed with S-ECC within the Pedodontics Department, Carol Davila University, Bucharest, during 2007- 2017. Caries experience indices (dmft/s, SiC), restorative index (RI) and distribution and severity of carious lesions were assessed. Statistical analysis was performed with SPSS 20.0 program, using ANOVA and t-test (p=0.05). Results: Caries experience indices: dmft=9.16±4.18; dmfs=20.66±10.94; dmftboys=8.98±4.14; dmftgirls=9.42±4.26 (p=0.5079); dmfsboys=20.31±10.66; dmfsgirls=21.14±11.39 (p=0.6351); dmftcapital=9.06±4.08; dmftsuburbs=9.51±4.57 (p=0.5909); dmfscapital=20.43±11.61; dmfssuburbs=21.46±8.34 (p=0.5492); SiC=14.02±2.80; SiCboys=13.81±2.78, and SiCgirls=14.22±3.00 (p=0.6129). RI value was 0.80%. From 3163 studied teeth, 1651 (52.20%) were caries-free, 1487 (47.01%) had caries lesions, 13 (0.41%) were missing, and 12 (0.38%) were filled. The upper incisors (37.26%), followed by the first molar teeth (27.44%) were the most frequently affected teeth. 135 (81.82%) children had at least one complicated caries, while 30 (18.18%) had only uncomplicated ones. 35 (21.21%) children had caries on primary teeth, including the lower front teeth and 130 (78.79%) had caries on primary teeth, except for the lower front teeth; Conclusion: The children examined showed high values of decayed teeth/surfaces, most of them had complicated caries and a very small percentage had treated lesions and extracted teeth. It is important to develop preventive programs for toddlers and preschool children, as well as regular dental check-ups established as close as possible to the eruption of the first primary tooth in order to avoid the onset of this pattern of caries.

The Impact of the Use of Village Funds on Stunting Prevention Policies in Nagari Padang Lua, Agam Regency

This descriptive qualitative research examines the impact of village funds on stunting prevention policies in Nagari Padang Lua, Agam Regency. Data were collected from relevant agencies and parties in the village through interviews, observations, and documentation studies, then reduced to obtain accurate conclusions. The results show that the Nagari government has conducted stunting socialization, integrated healthcare center services for pregnant women and toddlers, and provision of the Supplementary Feeding Program (PMT) for toddlers. However, these programs have not been effective in preventing stunting due to the lack of involvement of pregnant women and parents of toddlers as the main targets, limited integrated healthcare center facilities and infrastructure, and low community participation and awareness.

Policy analysis of the ISPA control program for toddlers in the working area of the Ngegong Health Center in Madiun City

ARI is an infectious disease that causes the main cause of death in the world, especially in infants and children. In the Ngegong Community Health Center working area, in 2021 there were 957 ISPA cases recorded, and in 2022 this increased to 2288 cases with a total of 125 ISPA cases in toddlers in 2021-2022, which is still relatively high. The research used qualitative methods, carried out at the Ngegong Community Health Center, Madiun City from June to July 2023. The informants were determined using purposive sampling. Primary data was obtained from the results of in-depth interview texts, document review, and observations with informants. The data obtained was analyzed qualitatively and described descriptively. The research results showed that nursing staff, funds were still included in the program in general, facilities and infrastructure were available, planning was carried out at the same UKP cadre and pramin refresher meeting, but there was no evidence of minutes, organization was already in place and those involved were midwives, nurses and doctor, there is an approach through the village head, monitoring the ISPA evaluation at the Puskesmas in the form of a visit by the health service and a report is made. The P2ISPA activity program at the Health Center is reported by the person in charge every month. It was concluded that the ISPA control program at the Ngegong Community Health Center in Madiun City had not been effective. It is hoped that Health Center will prioritize controlling ISPA by increasing the public's understanding (mothers of toddlers) about ISPA on an ongoing basis, and the management and eradication of ISPA cases that have been implemented is expected to be further improved.

Penguatan Literasi Balita Di Pedesaan Desa Batu Melenggang Kecamatan Hinai Kabupaten Langkat

This research aims to analyze toddler literacy programs in rural areas and evaluate their effectiveness in improving the literacy skills of early childhood. The research methods used include interviews with parents, observations of children, and analysis of existing literacy programs. The research results show that there are several challenges faced in strengthening toddler literacy in rural areas, including limited access, lack of resources, and lack of parental awareness about the importance of early childhood literacy. To overcome this challenge, collaborative efforts are needed between the government, educational institutions and local communities. Toddler literacy programs should be designed to take into account the rural context and available resources. Apart from that, it is necessary to provide outreach to parents and the community about the benefits of toddler literacy and how they can support it. The results of this research can be a guide for developing literacy programs for toddlers in rural areas, so that children in rural areas have equal opportunities to develop their literacy skills from an early age.

Determinan faktor yang berhubungan dengan cakupan imunisasi dasar pada balita di Pidie, Aceh: Studi potong lintang

Background: Immunization coverage in Pidie Aceh Still has not met the targets. Based on data from the Pidie Health District Office, it is known that the coverage of complete basic immunization for toddlers has only reached 84,84%. The Regional Government and related agencies are still working on various programs to achieve this. Several factors affect the coverage of basic immunization in an area, such as the low role of cadres and the lack of family support for immunization. An assessment must be conducted to determine good policies for future health programs.Objective: The research aims to determine the factors that cover the basic immunization program for toddlers in Kembang Tanjong, Pidie-Aceh. Method: This research is descriptive-analytic with a cross-sectional study design. Sampling using probability sampling was carried out on 100 respondents. This research was carried out from 03 to 11 December 2020 in the Kembang Tanjong, Pidie, Aceh. Data were collected through interviews using a questionnaire. Analysis used the Chi-Square test at 95% CI.Research result: This study has found a relationship between the role of cadres (p= 0,015), family support (p= 0,025), and the role of health workers (p= 0,040), as well as the role of religious leaders (p= 0,033) with the coverage of the basic immunization program for toddlers.Conclusion: Family support, the role of officers, and the role of religious leaders greatly influence whether immunization results are achieved in Pidie Aceh. Therefore, these three factors need to be considered.

IMPLEMENTASI PROGRAM INTERVENSI GIZI SPESIFIK PADA REMAJA PUTRI DAN BALITA DI PUSKESMAS PATEAN KABUPATEN KENDAL

The scope of implementing specific nutrition intervention programs at the Patean Health Center for young women and toddlers in 2021 and 2022 was still not in line with the national target. This study aimed to analyze the implementation of a specific nutrition intervention program for girls and toddlers at the Patean Health Center. This research was a qualitative research with a descriptive approach through in-depth interviews conducted from January to July 2023. The data processing method used content analysis.The results showed that the implementation of the specific nutrition intervention program for young women and toddlers are not optimal. Obstacles in the activities of young women are caused by unclear communication, limited and inadequate support facilities and fragmentation that is not in accordance with policy. Obstacles in toddler activities are caused by limited quality of posyandu cadres, limited budget and inadequate supporting facilities. It can be concluded that the implementation of specific nutrition intervention programs for girls and toddlers at the Patean Public Health Center is not optimal because it is influenced by communication factors, resources, attitudes and bureaucratic structures

EVALUATION OF THE SUPPLEMENTARY FEEDING PROGRAM FOR TODDLERS

Background: Malnutrition in children under five is still a matter of concern because it not only harms the child, but also harms the country. Malnourished toddlers if not treated properly can have an impact until adulthood. &#x0D; Objective: This study aims to evaluate the Supplementary Feeding Program (PMT) for toddlers at Puskesmas Somba Opu, Gowa Regency. &#x0D; Methods: The research method used was a cross sectional design with a quantitative approach. The population in this study were mothers who had toddlers and followed the PMT program at Puskesmas Somba Opu as many as 135 people. The sampling technique used proportionate stratified random sampling technique. The research was conducted at the Somba Opu Health Center in January-June 2023. Data analysis techniques used were univariate and bivariate using the Fisher test and contingency coefficient. &#x0D; Results: the input aspect for the funding component is still lacking. The process aspect of the recording component is still lacking. The output aspect is said to be sufficient in maternal attitudes and the coverage of Supplementary Feeding performance. There was a relationship between process and maternal attitude (p=0.000). &#x0D; Conclusion: the funding and recording components are still lacking and there is a relationship between the process and the mother's attitude in the implementation of the Supplementary Feeding program at Puskesmas Somba Opu, Gowa Regency. It is recommended to provide funds for the implementation of the PMT program for toddlers in the working area of Puskesmas Somba Opu, Gowa Regency

Vitamin A Program for Giving Toddlers in Posyandu Neighborhoods Ledeng with CIPP Model

This study aims to evaluate the facilities of the Posyandu (Integrated Health Service Post) in the vitamin A supplementation program for toddlers at Posyandu Ledeng. The vitamin A supplementation program at Posyandu Ledeng was evaluated using the CIPP (Context, Input, Process, Product) model to assess the program's context, resources utilized, program implementation, and achieved outcomes. The evaluation results showed that although the vitamin A supplementation program was implemented successfully, there are still deficiencies in the available facilities. The measuring equipment for body weight and height and the storage facilities for vitamin A are inadequate, and there is a need to replenish the vitamin A stock. These facility shortcomings can impact the program's effectiveness and the quality of healthcare services at Posyandu Ledeng. Therefore, it is necessary to update and improve the facilities and inventory management to enhance the effectiveness of this program, ensuring its sustainability and success in providing vitamin A supplementation to toddlers at Posyandu Ledeng.

National monitoring of iodine, sodium, and vitamin D status in toddlers and women of childbearing age - results and lessons learned from a pilot study in Norway.

Norway is lacking a population-based national monitoring program for iodine, sodium, and vitamin D status. The aim of this study was to pilot-test a study design for collecting biological samples from a country-representative sample of 2-year-old children and their mothers and to report results for iodine, salt, and vitamin D at baseline, before initiation of salt iodization in Norway. In a cross-sectional study, we recruited 2-year-old children and their mothers during the routine 2-year check-up through 38 randomly selected health clinics in 2021. Spot urine samples were analyzed for iodine, creatinine, and sodium, and dried blood spots from the mothers were analyzed for thyroglobulin (Tg) and 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D). We aimed at including 400 mother-child pairs but recruited only 55 pairs. Major challenges were closed health clinics due to the COVID-19 pandemic, lack of motivation of the health personnel to prioritize recruiting, missing information about non-participation, and high workload for participants. The median urinary iodine concentration (UIC) was 123 (95% CI: 76, 228) µg/L in the toddlers and 83 (95% CI: 72, 99) µg/L in the mothers. The median urinary sodium concentration (UNaC) was 62 (95% CI: 37, 91) mmol/L in the toddlers and 93 (95% CI: 77, 107) mmol/L in the mothers. Of the mothers, 18% had levels of 25(OH)D <50 nmol/L (suboptimal status). Lessons learned from the pilot study will be used to design a national monitoring program for toddlers and women of childbearing age in Norway. The results indicate that 2-year-old children and women of childbearing age in Norway may have inadequate iodine intakes at the group level, while for vitamin D, most of the mothers had adequate status.

Family experiences of engagement in inclusive childcare programs for toddlers

Previous research has explored family engagement experiences and practices in childcare programs. The purpose of this study was to explore family members’ experiences related to their engagement in decision-making processes across various inclusive, toddler childcare programs. Five early educators and eight parents participated in the study. Four parents had a child with a diagnosed disability or developmental delays, were at-risk for developmental delays, and/or received speech, occupational, or physical therapy. Eligible early educators participating in the study taught toddlers (18 to 30 months) in a private, faith-based, or university childcare program. A semi-structured interview style was used to collect family participant responses. The early educators’ inclusive practice indicator rubric scores previously collected from the larger grant funded project were used to triangulate data. Through a phenomenological qualitative design, this study gained a better understanding of families’ decision-making experiences, facilitators and barriers that may impact family engagement, and opportunities early educators have provided or not provided to encourage family engagement in inclusive, toddler childcare programs.