Exploring caregivers’ perceptions on their role in promoting early childhood development

ABSTRACT

Caregivers of young children play a significant role through a child's early childhood. External factorssuch as environment, socio-economic status, and support system, impact children’s early development experiences. This study explored how caregivers perceived their role in the early child development of 3–4-year-old children in an under-resourced community in KwaZulu-Natal. Purposive sampling was used to recruit eight caregivers via the crèche their child attended. Biographical questionnaires and semi-structured interviews were used to collect data. Through thematic analysis, the findings highlight that child-rearing practices are influenced by the specific context of informal settlements, townships, and associated environments. The study further reveals how community members and structures assist them and their role in the child’s development. Ultimately, the findings indicate that caregivers require further information on several areas of age-appropriate development and the importance thereof. This study highlights the factors that can assist caregivers in facilitating positive developmental outcomes.

KEYWORDS:

• Early childhood development
• caregiver perceptions
• context
• child-rearing
• support structures
• knowledge and experiences

Acknowledgements

The authors would like to thank the caregivers and crèches within the Sea Cow Lake community, for their time and cooperation in participating within this study.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Zainab Ayob

Zainab Ayob is an Occupational Therapy master’s student at the University of KwaZulu-Natal. Her areas of interest include community, paediatric and physical rehabilitation within occupational therapy.

Chantal Christopher

Chantal Christopher is a lecturer at the University of KwaZulu-Natal.

Deshini Naidoo

Deshini Naidoo is a senior lecturer at the University of KwaZulu-Natal. Her areas of interest include primary health care, paediatric and physical rehabilitation within occupational therapy.