O contexto sociocultural atual impõe o retorno precoce da mãe ao trabalho após o nascimento de seu filho, e o ingresso de bebês em creches nos dois primeiros anos de vida é bastante controverso. Um ambiente favorável que desenvolva as capacidades da criança e potencialize seu crescimento de forma adequada necessita investimentos, a fim de que se possa promover a saúde dessas crianças por meio de ambientes ricos em estímulos adequados e até mesmo compensatórios. Objetivos: (1) avaliar o desempenho motor, cognitivo e da linguagem de bebês entre 06 e 18 meses que frequentam creches; (2) verificar a concordância entre dois instrumentos concorrentes para a avaliação do desempenho motor amplo de bebês; (3) investigar a validade de critério, conteúdo e constructo e fidedignidade da escala AHEMD-IS versão 3-18 meses para uso no contexto da creche; (4) associar o conhecimento de professores e assistentes sobre o desenvolvimento infantil às práticas de cuidado adotadas e às habilidades avaliadas na faixa etária acompanhada. Método: Estudo observacional, transversal. O desenvolvimento infantil foi avaliado utilizando-se a Bayley Scales of Infant and Toddler Development 3rd ed (BSITD-III) e a Alberta Infant Motor Scale (AIMS). A qualidade do ambiente foi verificada utilizando-se a Affordances in the Home Environment for Motor Development Infant Scale (AHEMD-IS) adaptada para uso no contexto da creche e a Daily Activities of Infant Scale (DAIS). Os cuidados não-parentais foram mensurados por meio do Knowledge of Infant Development Inventory (KIDI). Estatísticas descritivas foram realizadas para a categorização da amostra. O coeficiente de correlação de Pearson e a análise entre métodos de Bland-Altman foram utilizados para verificar a concordância entre os instrumentos de avaliação do desempenho motor amplo. Análises das características diagnósticas do instrumento AIMS também foram realizadas. Foi conduzido um modelo de regressão linear múltipla multivariada utilizando-se equações estruturais para avaliar possíveis associações entre as variáveis dependentes desempenho motor, cognitivo e de linguagem e as variáveis independentes relacionadas à qualidade do ambiente e às práticas de cuidado. Resultados: Foram avaliadas 67 crianças (53,7% da amostra, n = 36 meninos), média de idade corrigida de 11,15 ± 2,9 meses, média de idade gestacional de 38,58±1,5 semanas e predomínio da classe socioeconômica B2 (46,5% da amostra, n = 31). A média das variáveis peso ao nascimento (p = 0,040) e escolaridade materna (p = 0,008) foi maior na rede privada de ensino. A média dos escores de desempenho motor (79,66 ± 12,9), cognitivo (88,66 ± 10,6) e de linguagem (78,15 ± 9,3) apresentou valores inferiores aos esperados nos domínios motor e de linguagem. Na rede privada, foi encontrada associação positiva e significativa entre desempenho motor e variedade de estimulação (β = 0,506, p = 0,002) e associações negativas e significativas entre desempenho motor e conhecimento do desenvolvimento infantil por professoras (β = - 0,586, p = ≤ 0,001) e assistentes (β = - 0,325, p = 0,011). Na rede pública, foi encontrada associação positiva e significativa entre motricidade e qualidade do ambiente (β = 0,405, p = 0,008). Foi encontrada associação muito forte entre as escalas utilizadas para a avaliação do desempenho motor amplo (r = 0,96, p ≤ 0,000). O método de Bland-Altman aponta concordância adequada entre os instrumentos na amostra. Assumindo o atraso a partir do ponto de corte inferior ao percentil 10, foram encontrados resultados excelentes de sensibilidade (S = 92%), especificidade (E = 100%), valor preditivo positivo (VPP = 100%), valor preditivo negativo (VPN = 98%) e acurácia geral do instrumento AIMS (Ac = 11,82). Os resultados da validação do instrumento AHEMD-IS indicam sua adequabilidade para uso no contexto da creche. Conclusão: Ambientes com adequada estrutura física, diversidade de materiais e profissionais capacitados são necessários, entretanto, é essencial a interação do cuidador com a criança. De forma indireta, ao avaliar o desempenho infantil e as relações que se estabelecem no contexto da creche, observou-se que o desenvolvimento da criança na creche parece estar mais dependente da qualidade das interações, das atividades e das experiências com a linguagem e com o corpo do que com os espaços e as condições estruturais. A presença de profissionais da área da saúde junto às crianças nos contextos educacionais pode contribuir para a promoção da saúde e do desenvolvimento pleno da população infantil. / The current socio-cultural context imposes the early return of the mother to work after her son´s birth, and the ingress of babies in daycare centers in the first two years of life is quite controversial. A favorable environment to develop the child's competences and increment their growth properly needs investments, so that we can promote the children´s health through appropriate and compensatory environments. Objectives: (1) assess motor, cognitive and language performance of babies from 06 to 18 months who attend daycare centers; (2) verify the agreement between two instruments for the assessment of gross motor performance; (3) investigate the criterion validity, content and construct and reliability of AHEMD-IS version 3-18 months to use scale in the context of daycare centers; (4) associate the knowledge of teachers and assistants about child development to care practices and skills assessed. Method: A cross-sectional study, observational. The infant development was evaluated by Bayley Scales of Infant and Toddler Development 3rd edition (BSITD-III) and Alberta Infant Motor Scale (AIMS). The quality of the environment was checked using the Affordances in the Home Environment for Infant Motor Scale Development (AHEMD-IS) adapted for use in daycare setting and the Daily Activities of Infant Scale (DAIS). Non-parental care was measured through Knowledge of Infant Development Inventory (KIDI). Descriptive statistics were performed for the categorization of the sample. Pearson´s correlation coefficient and Bland-Altman analysis between methods was used to verify the agreement between the evaluation of gross motor performance. Analysis of the diagnostic features of the AIMS were also performed. A multivariate linear regression model using structural equation to evaluate possible associations between the dependent and independent variables was done. Results: 67 children were evaluated (53.7%, n = 36 boys), corrected age mean 11.15 ± 2.9 months and gestational age mean 38.48 ± 1.5 weeks, with predominance of socioeconomic class B2 (46.5%, n = 31). The average of the variables birth weight (p = 0.040) and maternal education (p = 0.008) was higher in private schools. The mean of motor performance scores (79.66 ± 12.9), cognitive scores (88.66 ± 10.6) and language scores (78.15 ± 9.3) showed lower values than expected in the motor and language domain. In the private school system, it was found positive and significant association between motor performance and variety of stimulation (β = 0.506, p = 0.002) and negative and significant associations between motor performance and teachers´ knowledge of child development (β = - 0.586, p = ≤ 0.001) and assistants (β = - 0.325, p = 0.011). In public, it found a positive and significant association between motor skills and environmental quality (β = 0.405, p = 0.008). Very strong association between the scales used for the assessment of gross motor performance was found (r = 0.96, p ≤ 0,000). The Bland-Altman method points satisfactory agreement between the instruments in the sample. Assuming the delay from the cut-off point below the 10th percentile, excellent results of sensitivity (S = 92%), specificity (E = 100%), positive predictive value (PPV = 100%), negative predictive value (NPV = 98%) and overall accuracy of the AIMS (Ac = 11,82) was found. The results of the validation of AHEMD-IS indicate their suitability for use in the daycare center context. Conclusion: Environments with adequate physical structure, diversity of materials and trained professionals are needed, however, the caregiver - child´s interaction is essential. Indirectly, when evaluating children's performance and the relations established in the daycare setting, it was observed that the development of children in day care seems to be more dependent on the quality of interactions, activities and experiences with the language and the body than with the spaces and the structural conditions. The presence of health professionals with the children in educational contexts can contribute to health promotion and the full development of the child population.

FundaÃÃo Cearense de Apoio ao Desenvolvimento Cientifico e TecnolÃgico / Esta dissertaÃÃo objetivou analisar as formas de participaÃÃo social dos bebÃs nas prÃticas cotidianas que vivenciam na creche, bem como as concepÃÃes de suas professoras sobre tais formas de participaÃÃo. As reflexÃes e interpretaÃÃes deste trabalho foram subsidiadas por um referencial teÃrico que contemplou a trajetÃria histÃrica da creche, destacando os estudos de alguns autores que tratam da histÃria da EducaÃÃo Infantil no Brasil e a interlocuÃÃo com as perspectivas teÃricas sociointeracionistas de Vygotsky, Wallon e com as contribuiÃÃes do campo da Pedagogia-em-ParticipaÃÃo, destacando os autores Oliveira-Formosinho, Formosinho e AraÃjo. Os princÃpios da abordagem qualitativa alicerÃaram a metodologia. Para a compreensÃo em profundidade do fenÃmeno estudado, optou-se pelo estudo de caso, que foi realizado durante quatro meses em uma creche municipal cearense, na qual sÃo atendidas, em tempo integral, crianÃas de seis meses a trÃs anos de idade. Participaram do estudo 12 bebÃs, com idade entre 12 e 18 meses, e suas trÃs professoras. Os dados foram construÃdos por meio de observaÃÃo participante das prÃticas cotidianas e de entrevistas semiestruturadas com as professoras e as famÃlias dos bebÃs. Para registrar os dados foram utilizados o diÃrio de campo, a videogravaÃÃo, a fotografia e o gravador de voz. As anÃlises revelaram, entre outros elementos, que as prÃticas cotidianas da instituiÃÃo eram permeadas pela dissociaÃÃo entre as aÃÃes de cuidar e educar; pela transmissividade de conhecimentos, pelo cerceamento das iniciativas dos bebÃs e, ao mesmo tempo, pela invisibilidade da participaÃÃo social deles. Estes, com todas as suas potencialidades, rompiam com a perspectiva dessas prÃticas e demonstravam ser desejosos e capazes de participar, por meio de suas aÃÃes imitativas, dos conflitos com os pares e da construÃÃo de relaÃÃes de amizade. Por outro lado, suas aprendizagens e desenvolvimento, eram limitadas pelas prÃticas e concepÃÃes docentes que de um modo geral, associavam as formas de participaÃÃo social dos bebÃs apenas Ãs atividades ditas pedagÃgicas, que objetivavam desenvolver especificamente aspectos do desenvolvimento cognitivo. O estudo destacou a relevÃncia de uma maior visibilizaÃÃo das diversas formas que os bebÃs apresentam para participarem das prÃticas cotidianas. TambÃm propÃe que se ampliem as oportunidades de participaÃÃo social dos bebÃs, com intencionalidade e planejamento pedagÃgicos, durante todos os momentos em que os bebÃs estÃo presentes na instituiÃÃo. à urgente, portanto, uma maior visibilidade dos bebÃs, tanto nas polÃticas pÃblicas e educacionais como nas Pedagogias da EducaÃÃo Infantil. Nesse sentido, ressalta-se a necessidade de maiores investimentos financeiros para as InstituiÃÃes de EducaÃÃo Infantil e uma formaÃÃo continuada sÃlida e especÃfica para docentes que atuam diretamente com os bebÃs. Assim, a creche poderà constituir um contexto de respeito e participaÃÃo dos bebÃs, prevalecendo seus direitos, especificidades, saberes, fazeres, interesses, curiosidades e potencialidades. / This theme of this study is the social participation of babies in the daily practices in day care contexts. The research is based on the questioning of the rights of children, which ages range between zero and five years, affirmed by the National Curriculum Guidelines for Early Childhood Education, highlighting the right to participate in daily practices and their constructions. Since this aspect is relevant to learning and the integral development of children, it is necessary to understand how this social participation occurs, especially in day-care contexts. A literature survey shows that infants have been invisibilized for a long time in society, including in the educational field. Therefore, the main goal of the study was to analyze the forms of social participation of babies in the daily practices that they experience in day care, as well as t teachersâ conceptions on such forms of participation. In an interlocution with socio-interactionist perspectives, were used as the main theoretical framework the theories of Vygotsky, Wallon and the field of Pedagogy-in-Participation. This paper is a qualitative research characterized as a case study, carried out in a day care center in CearÃ. Twelve babies, with ages between 12 and 18 months, and their three teachers were part of this study. The data were constructed during the observations and videotapings of the daily practices and interviews with the teachers. A field diary, a digital camera and a voice recorder were used to keep record of these data. The analyzes revealed, among other aspects, that the daily practices of the institution were characterized by the dissociation between the actions of caring and educating, transmissivity of knowledge, restriction and, at the same time, by the invisibility of the social participation of the babies. The babies, with all their potentialities, overcame these practices and demonstrated desire and abilities to participate in the daily practices that they lived in the day-care center, by means of their imitative actions, conflicts with the peers and the construction of friendship relations. On the other hand, their learning and development were limited by the teaching practices and the conceptions that forms of social participation occur only during the so-called pedagogical activities, which aimed to develop aspects of cognitive development. Based on the data analysis, the study concludes and highlights the importance of a greater visibility to the different forms that babies have to participate in the daily practices. It also demonstrates the need of creating greater opportunities of these forms of participation, which should have intentionality and pedagogical planning and should occur during the whole period in which the babies are in the institution. Therefore, there is an urgent need for greater visibility of infants in both public and educational policies and in the pedagogies of Early Childhood Education. Therefore, it is really important to increase financial investments for Child Education Institutions and to assure a solid and specific continuing education for teachers who work directly with infants. Thence, the day care center may be able to build a context of respect and the participation of babies, prevailing their rights, specificities, knowledge, actions, interests, curiosities and potentialities.

Os primeiros anos da infância são primordiais para que a criança esteja em um ambiente estimulador, prazeroso e lúdico, com oportunidades para desenvolver seus sentidos e habilidades. A criança quando estimulada se torna mais ativa, dinâmica, criativa, emocionalmente equilibrada e saudável, e passa a realizar melhor as atividades propostas, a encontrar soluções e a apresentar uma boa socialização. Os objetivos do presente trabalho foram: verificar, em crianças de creche, o efeito da estimulação ambiental e voltada para as necessidades específicas individuais sobre o desenvolvimento psicomotor e mental, bem como sobre o comportamento, avaliados segundo as Escalas Bayley do Desenvolvimento Infantil Segunda Edição (1993); comparar os grupos com ganhos e perdas nos índices apurados, de acordo com as variáveis consideradas como fatores de risco ao desenvolvimento; analisar a correlação entre os índices do desenvolvimento e o comportamento. A amostra foi constituída por 50 crianças de ambos os sexos, com faixa etária entre 4 e 42 meses, que freqüentavam duas creches do município de Ribeirão Preto. Foram realizadas entrevistas individuais com os pais ou responsáveis e as crianças foram submetidas à avaliação do desenvolvimento infantil, utilizando-se as Escalas Bayley de Desenvolvimento Infantil, em duas fases: antes (Fase I) e após (Fase II) um período de estimulação do desenvolvimento implementado em uma das creches. Os valores médios do Índice de Desenvolvimento Mental (IDM) e do Índice de Desenvolvimento Psicomotor (IDP), de ambos os grupos Estimulado (E) e Não Estimulado (NE), encontravam-se na classificação de desenvolvimento normal, nas Fases I e II. Na Fase I, o IDP médio do Grupo NE foi significativamente maior do que o do Grupo E. Houve diferença estatisticamente significativa entre o valor médio de IDP na Fase I e na Fase II do Grupo E (I < II). Maior tempo de amamentação e idade da criança apresentaram correlação com aumento dos índices na avaliação do desenvolvimento mental; e carência nutricional com diminuição, no Grupo E. Maior peso ao nascimento e menor idade ao engatinhar apresentaram correlação com aumento dos índices de desenvolvimento psicomotor no Grupo NE. Não foi possível comparações dado o pequeno número com redução no IDP. Com relação à Avaliação do Comportamento (BRS Behavior Rating Scale), houve diferença significativa entre Fase I e II para o Grupo Estimulado nos Fatores Controle Emocional e Qualidade Motora. Comparando-se os valores de BRS, IDM e IDP, obteve-se que os valores maiores da BRS foram nos grupos com ganhos, principalmente entre os estimulados, embora sem diferença estatisticamente significativa, porém com tendência (p=0,06) em IDM. Os dados obtidos sugerem para a amostra estudada que baixa renda familiar, má alimentação materna e uso de tabaco durante a gestação, más condições de alimentação e saúde atual das crianças, problemas de relacionamento pai-criança e entre os pais mostraram-se potenciais fatores de risco ao desenvolvimento. Por outro lado, idade e escolaridade dos pais, melhores condições de saneamento e moradia, pré-natal adequado, parto normal, peso e tamanho adequados ao nascimento, desenvolvimento postural dentro da normalidade, mostraram-se potenciais fatores de proteção ao desenvolvimento. Conclui-se que estimulação ambiental e voltada para as necessidades específicas individuais pode auxiliar o desenvolvimento psicomotor e a qualidade do comportamento. / The first years of childhood are essential to the child, is an environment stimulating, pleasurable and fun, with opportunities to develop their senses and abilities. When stimulated, the child becomes more active, dynamic, creative, emotionally balanced and healthy, and will perform better the proposed activities, to find solutions and make a good socialization. The objectives of this study were: to determine, in children from day care, the effect of environmental stimulation and toward the specific needs of individual mental and psychomotor development as well as behavior, evaluated according to the Bayley Scales of Infant Development - Second edition (1993); compare the groups with gains and losses recorded in the indices, according to the variables considered as risk factors for development; analyze the correlation between the indices of development MDI (Mental Development Index) and PDI (Psychomotor Development Index), and behavior (BRS Behavior Rating Scale), established by the Bayley Scales of Infant Development - Second Edition (1993). The sample consisted of 50 children of both sexes, aged between 4 and 42 months, who attended two day care centers in the city of Ribeirão Preto-SP, Brazil. Individual interviews were conducted with parents or guardians and the children were submitted to evaluation of development, using the Bayley Scales of Infant Development, in two phases: before (Phase I) and after (Phase II) a period stimulation of the development implemented in one of the day care centers. The average values of MDI and PDI of both groups - Stimulated (E) and Non-Stimulated (NE), were in the classification of normal development in Phases I and II. In Phase I, the average PDI of Group NE was significantly higher than that of Group E (p =0,002). There was a statistically significant difference between the average value of PDI in Phase I and Phase II of Group E, higher in the phase II (p=0,002). Longer breast-feeding and child\'s age also correlated with increases in indices in the assessment of mental development; and nutritional status with a decrease in Group E. Higher birth weight and lower the age creep showed correlation with increased indices of psychomotor development in Group NE. None of the variables of personal history, family and environmental analysis also correlated with an increase or decrease of the indices in the assessment of psychomotor development of the Group E, which may suggest that the increase in PDI is the result of stimulation implemented with this group. Regarding the Assessment of Behavior, there was significant difference between Phase I and II for the Group Stimulated in Emotional Control and Motor Quality Factors. Comparing the values of BRS, MDI and PDI, it was obtained that the higher values of BRS were the groups with gains, particularly among stimulated, but no statistically significant difference, but with a tendency (p = 0.06) for gains in MDI. The data suggest for the sample studied that low-income family, poor maternal nutrition and smoking during pregnancy; poor conditions of nutrition and health of children today; problems of relationship between parent-child and the parents seemed to be potential factors for risk to development. While, higher age and parents\' education; better sanitation and housing conditions; adequate prenatal care; normal delivery; weight and size appropriate for the birth; postural development within the normal range, were potential protective factors to development. It is concluded that environmental stimulation and toward the individual needs can assist the psychomotor development and quality of behavior.

This study focused on two factors, auspice and job satisfaction, which have been shown to impact on the quality of child care programs. However, while research has indicated that auspice, job satisfaction, and program quality are intertwined, there is a lack of research which explores these factors qualitatively. There is also a dearth of research which has considered auspice from the caregivers' perspectives. Hence, the purpose of this study was to explore the meaning that caregivers give to auspice in their work in nonprofit and for-profit child care centers. As well, this study sought to examine the relationship between auspice and job satisfaction from the caregiver's point of view, paying close attention to differences in job satisfaction that existed between staff employed in nonprofit centers and staff who worked in private or for-profit centers. A series of qualitative, in-depth interviews were conducted with eight child care workers from the Vancouver Metropolitan area. Four of the participants were employed in or owned private centers and four of the participants worked in nonprofit centers. Positive and negative perceptions of both nonprofit and private auspice emerged. In particular, the nonprofit participants believed that child care should be operated as a service and not a business. They perceived that the motive to make a profit in child care lead for-profit centers to sacrifice quality in order to cut costs and maximize profits. On the other hand, the for- profit participants perceived that their centers provided high quality care and were dedicated to putting the needs of children and staff first. In general, the participants'' perceptions of factors that influenced their job satisfaction were similar across auspices. The nature of child care work and supportive relationships with co-workers were factors which positively influenced job satisfaction while the perceived lack of status in the eyes of society negatively affected satisfaction. Differences in job satisfaction according to auspice were found on several factors, such as government policies and a perceived lack of enough time to accomplish job duties. / Education, Faculty of / Curriculum and Pedagogy (EDCP), Department of / Graduate

This study identified transition practices used by teachers and/or primary caregivers of infants and toddlers when entering child care programs across Dallas , TX . Participants completed the Program Entry Transition Practices Survey regarding their use of transition practices in fall 2003 and perceived barriers to entry transition practices. Results show frequency tallies, percentages of use for each transition practice, and the mean number of practices used for the entire sample and with the sample split according to participants from profit and non-profit programs. Results were also organized into four subscales based on the type of practice used. Results supported the hypothesis that teachers and caregivers would report more transition practices occurring after beginning care and directed towards a group than those occurring before beginning care and directed towards an individual. In response to the broader research question regarding barriers: Teachers and caregivers from profit and non-profit centers reported similar barriers to implementing transition practices.

Based on the survey results of 150 South Korea toddler caregivers about training needs, I developed a relationship-based approach for a toddler caregiver training program. The training program was modified using suggestions provided by 6 South Korean professors, who were asked to review the program. Survey findings revealed that: (a) All participants (toddler caregivers) perceived that it is necessary for caregivers to attend training. However, most (72.2%) found that it was difficult to attend training programs more than 1 time per year because it was hard to find a substitute teacher (64%). Participants desired to attend training programs on toddler care because of the lack of in-service education (26%), curriculum (24%), and training programs (15.3%); (b) Caregivers who had the third-degree caregiver certification preferred to learn parent education more than child development. However, caregivers who had a higher degree of caregiver certification preferred to learn child development more than parent education; and (c) Caregivers who had more than 5 years of teaching experience preferred to learn about the teacher's role more than caregivers who had fewer than 4 years of teaching experience. Future studies need to evaluate the effect of this relationship-based training program for toddler caregivers in relation to improvement in the quality of child care and interaction between caregivers and toddlers. A large-scale study would increase the generalizability of research findings. A larger sample size from different cities in South Korea and random sampling would generate more reliable findings.

No description available.

No description available.

Resumo: Nas últimas décadas a transição nutricional vem ocorrendo em países desenvolvidos e em desenvolvimento, com uma prevalência maior de indivíduos sobrepesos e obesos. Devido à situação agravante do estado nutricional da população infantil brasileira, às doenças acarretadas pela má alimentação e sedentarismo, além da construção do hábito alimentar ser realizado nessa fase de desenvolvimento e este adotado para a vida adulta do indivíduo, podese notar a necessidade de educar essas crianças, em relação à nutrição. A creche é o local considerado apropriado para o ensino dessa população e, segundo as Diretrizes Curriculares Nacionais para Educação Infantil, a alimentação deveria estar inserida em todos os projetos político-pedagógicos, na área da Educação em Saúde, mas ainda existe um erro na concepção dos significados de cuidar e educar nessas instituições, principalmente entre a faixa etária de 0 a 3 anos. Contudo, o objetivo do presente trabalho foi identificar os conhecimentos e as práticas, relacionados à alimentação de crianças de 0 a 3 anos a fim de verificar a formação dos profissionais que trabalham com crianças dessa faixa etária, na área da Educação Nutricional. Para isso, o procedimento metodológico seguiu as orientações do estudo de caso, com abordagem qualitativa, que englobou a fase exploratória, a observação, a entrevista semiestruturada e a análise, visando a caracterização das participantes da pesquisa, do local onde foi realizado o estudo e das crianças da faixa etária estudada. Os saberes e práticas das agentes educacionais e professoras de Ensino Infantil do Centro de Educação e Recreação, em estudo, foram analisados por meio de questões abertas e fechadas e das observações dos tópicos relacionados à nutrição infantil, juntamente com os dados sobre a formação dessas profissionais... (Resumo completo, clicar acesso eletrônico abaixo) / Abstract: In the last decades, nutritional transition has been occurring in developed and in-progress countries, focusing overweight and obese people. The necessity of providing children nutritional education/knowledge has increased due to the aggravating nutrition situation of the Brazilian infantile population, diseases caused by bad eating habits and lack of physical exercises, yonder the acquirement of eating habits that will be lifetime followed. Day care centers are the appropriate places for teaching this population, and according to National Curricular Guide for Infantile, nourishment should be inserted in all political-pedagogic projects in the Health Education field, but these institutions still misunderstand the meaning of caring and educating, specially among children from 0 to 3 years old. Yet, the aim of this current work was to identify the knowledge and practices that people have regarding 0 to 3 year-old children in order to add information to professionals who work with this age group children in the Nutrition Education field. Thus, the methodological procedure followed the guidance of the studied case using a qualitative approaching that comprised the exploiting stage, the examination, the semi-structured interview and the analysis aiming the characterization of the interview participants, the place where the study was carried out and the age group of the children studied. The educational agents and teachers of infantile education from the Recreation and Education Center studied were analyzed through questions, and examinations of topics related to infantile nutrition along with data about the degree of these professionals. It can be concluded that both educational agents and Infantile Education teachers have a significant knowledge about infantile nutrition. However their biggest concern was to supply the children's nutritional necessities through a healthy meal... (Complete abstract click electronic access below) / Orientador: Rodolfo Telarolli Junior / Coorientador: Maria Iolanda Monteiro / Banca: Maria Rita Marques de Oliveira / Banca: Marilda da Silva / Mestre

This evaluation of the Multnomah County Community Action Agency (MCCAA) Latch Key Child Care Program was undertaken at the request of the Multnomah County Planning and Evaluation Department. Latch Key is one of three day care programs classified as "developmental programs for youth" for which Multnomah County is the fiscal agent. The other two are Littles, a full-day pre-school day care program, and Head Start, an educational and developmental program for pre-school children. Littles and Latch Key comprise what is known as Programs for Children, a comprehensive child care program which serves children of low-income working parents who live in the East County area east of 82nd Avenue, plus the Arleta, Errol Heights and Lents Districts which lie within the Portland city limits. With the exception of Mt. Hood Community College, which operates a small day care program, Programs for Children provides the only publicly-supported child care services in the above area, which was designated as a "poverty" area by the Office of Economic Opportunity in 1970. This report will evaluate the Programs for Children administration and Latch Key centers only.