Infant and toddler care in British Columbia : centre operations and caregivers' views on regulations, work, and professional development
Date
1993
Authors
Hogue, Nancy Jean
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Abstract
This study surveyed beliefs and attributes of infant/toddler caregivers regarding child care regulations, training, professional development, and employment. Aspects of infant/toddler centre operation were included. Subjects were 84 senior infant/toddler caregivers in licensed day care centres in British Columbia who completed a mailed questionnaire. Differences (p<.05) by regions, auspices, and qualifications are reported. Caregivers agree with regulations and training requirements in B.C., but want infant to adult caregiver ratios lowered. Caregivers participate frequently in professional development and prefer topics relevant to their perceived needs. The majority of centres conduct annual staff and program review, however external evaluation by consultants is rare. Job satisfaction is high and job turnover rate is lower than Canadian and B.C. averages for all day care workers. The majority of infant/toddler centres also enrol children up to five years of age. Caregivers average 10 years experience in child care and 82% have two years training. The Central Interior region has fewer qualified caregivers. The North has fewer infant/toddler centres, and caregivers participate less often in professional development and program review. Caregivers in the North and Central Interior want greater recognition for their work. Fewer unqualified caregivers feel training requirements are reasonable, and fewer participate in staff evaluation. A higher percentage of Northern and unqualified caregivers rate their care for children as "somewhat adequate." Non-profit and privately owned centres are similar in caregivers' qualifications, job satisfaction, and frequency of program and staff evaluation; but most private infant/toddler centres also enrol older children, and caregivers participate less frequently in professional development. Findings are partially congruent with Canadian and U.S. studies.