Childcare Staff and Parents' Beliefs about Quality Care for Infants/Toddlers in Centre-Based Programs in Singapore

Abstract

THE PURPOSE OF THIS exploratory study was to understand childcare staff and parents' beliefs about quality care for infants/toddlers (aged birth to three years) in centre-based programs in Singapore. Childcare staff (comprising supervisors and educarers) were interviewed to gather their views about: (1) key dimensions of quality care for infants/toddlers; (2) training programs for infant/toddler care; and (3) knowledge and skills important for the provision of high-quality care and programs. Educarers were also observed to investigate the nature of their interactions with the infants/toddlers and invited to review and reflect on a video clip which depicted a caregiver interacting with a group of infants/toddlers. Additionally, parents were also interviewed for their perceptions on the research topic. The results from this study could be used to review the quality of care for infants/toddlers in centre-based programs and training courses which prepare childcare staff for work with infants/toddlers.