Waking a sleeping giant: Exploring the potential of quality day care - Trinidad and Tobago

Abstract

This survey sought to collect information on the performance and environment of non-familial settings for children under three years of age in Trinidad and Tobago. The conceptual framework for the survey was based on an ecological model and both naturalistic and quantitative data were collected from 50 day care programmes. These represented programmes sponsored by private individuals (40), nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) (9), and institutions (1). Over 540 children and 56 staff members were observed. The findings revealed that in many ways, day care programmes in the study gave good custodial care, but there were several challenges to quality services. Although caregivers were warm and caring individuals, they were in very low paying jobs with very little training in (a) child development and family issues, and (b) providing parenting support and conducting community-based projects. In addition, infants and toddlers were generally exposed to very low stimulating exercises. Parent involvement in programmes was also low. Other major challenges were poverty, poor environments for children and parents, and caregivers’ lack of understanding of the importance of the early years. A 9-point plan was suggested for the systematic development of day care services.