This research reports on an observation study conducted in Adelaide, South Australia of how 12 educators working in six long day care centres spent their day when working in their care. Specifically the study sought to answer the following research questions: 1. How do educators spend their day in a long day care setting?-- 2. What is the quality of the interactions that occur between educators and children?-- 3. In what ways, if any, does an educator's qualifications and experience impact on the quality and frequency of interactions?

Introduction: the number of orphans world wide including Malawi, has increased greatly due to the Acquired Immune-Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS). The increased number of orphans has led to the development of community based strategies for continuity of care to orphans. People in various communities offer themselves as volunteers to care for the orphans with an aim to providing the best care possible. Due to the increased number of orphans, the caretakers are challenged in the provision of care, to promote the health status of the children. Purpose: The purpose of the study was to determine the knowledge and health information needs of caretakers in orphan care at the Mphatso day care centre in Lilongwe, Malawi. Methodology: A descriptive qualitative approach was used to determine the knowledge and health information needs of caretakers of orphans. Using a descriptive qualitative research method, the researcher interviewed eight participants working as volunteers at Mphatso Orphan Day Care Centre in Lilongwe, Malawi. Data analysis: In the study, a general content analysis approach was used. In this approach, the audio taped data were transcribed verbatim and translated from Chichewa to English soon after data collection prior to the next day of interview. Transcribing verbatim was done by listening to the tape recorded interviews several times until all the data were captured. Data were thereafter, displayed, reduced and organized into categories and sub categories. Results: Results generated from the study revealed that the caretakers benefit from training prior to the adoption of the caring role. The caretakers were also knowledgeable about the health challenges of the orphans, the concept of caring and health information needs that can help them provide the best care possible to the orphans. Conclusion: Children are facing the tragedy oflosing one or both parents to AIDS. Ifone parent is infected with HIV, there is a high probability that the other parent is also infected and so the entire family faces the threat of illness and later on death. Despite the death of these parents, the children left behind require the continuity of care. Volunteers shoulder the responsibility of caring for the children left by the deceased families. As such, there is need to support those who have dedicated their time to the orphans. Apart from material and financial resources, there is need to support the caretakers of orphans in institutions of care with health information relevant to orphan care. / Thesis (M.A.)-University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, 2009.

This research reports on an observation study conducted in Adelaide, South Australia of how 12 educators working in six long day care centres spent their day when working in their care. Specifically the study sought to answer the following research questions: 1. How do educators spend their day in a long day care setting?-- 2. What is the quality of the interactions that occur between educators and children?-- 3. In what ways, if any, does an educator's qualifications and experience impact on the quality and frequency of interactions? / Thesis (MEducation)--University of South Australia, 2008.

A presente pesquisa tem por objetivo investigar e desenhar o perfil dos professores de Educação Infantil do município do Rio de Janeiro, que trabalham em turmas de creche e são oriundos do primeiro concurso realizado para o cargo. Para tanto, as políticas públicas nacionais e regionais foram analisadas à luz do referencial do Ciclo de Políticas, de Ball e Bowe (1992 - 1994). Foram observados os diferentes contextos que culminaram com a criação do cargo de Professor de Educação Infantil (2010) na busca de elementos que ajudam a conhecer o quadro funcional dos profissionais que atuam na Educação Infantil, mais especificamente nas creches cariocas. Apresentamos um breve levantamento dos dados sobre a cidade do Rio de Janeiro, em especial, o lugar que ocupa a Educação Infantil no sistema de ensino carioca. A pesquisa adota uma metodologia qualitativa-quantitativa (quali-quanti). Foi utilizado um questionário digital (plataforma Google Docs) com questões referentes aos aspectos funcionais e formativos do professor. O questionário foi enviado digitalmente às creches para que fosse disponibilizado aos professores de educação infantil nelas lotados. Foram realizados dois grupos focais com professores que responderam ao instrumento digital e aceitaram o convite para participação na modalidade presencial da pesquisa. As questões apresentadas nos Grupos Focais buscaram qualificar os dados produzidos no questionário. As análises qualitativas apoiaram-se na perspectiva teórica de Lev Vigotski e entendem os sujeitos sócio-históricos, imersos em contextos específicos de desenvolvimento e em processo contínuo de transformação. A análise quantitativa apresentou dados relativos à idade, sexo, grupamentos de atuação e experiência profissional. A qualitativa ampliou a discussão sobre a formação inicial e continuada dos PEI e o processo de construção da identidade profissional por eles vivido, dando destaque às situações de conflitos existentes nos ambientes de trabalho (creche e EDI). O perfil produzido revela que o cargo é ocupado por professoras, com idade média de 37 anos, graduadas e que atuam prioritariamente em turmas de maternal. O acesso aos dados produzidos por esta pesquisa pode auxiliar a formulação de políticas públicas que busquem o desenvolvimento das crianças cariocas matriculadas nas creches, a partir do investimento em profissionais especificamente formados para lidar com os desafios do trabalho com as crianças pequenas / This research aims to investigate and draw the profile of the early childhood educators in the municipality of Rio de Janeiro, working in public day care centres, in particular those nominated from the first public recruitment exam held for this position. For this purpose, national and regional policies were analysed in light of the Policy Cycle approach by Ball and Bowe (1992-1994). Different contexts that led to the creation of the position of Early Childhood Educator (2010) were observed in search of elements to help understand the workforce of professionals in Early Childhood Education, more specifically in Rio public day care centres. We present a brief survey of data about Rio de Janeiro city, in particular, the place of Early Childhood in the Rio Education System. The research adopts a qualitative- quantitative methodology (quali- quanti). A digital questionnaire was used (Google Docs platform) with questions regarding functional aspects and the training of the educator. The questionnaire was sent digitally to the day care centres where the educators could access it. There were two focus groups with educators who responded to the digital questionnaire and accepted the invitation to participate in the research in-person. The questions in the focus groups sought to qualify the data generated by the questionnaire. Qualitative analyses are based on the theoretical perspective of Lev Vygotsky and encompasses the socio-historical subjects, immersed in specific contexts of development and continuous process of transformation. The quantitative analysis presented data on age, gender, work clusters and professional experience. The qualitative analysis expanded the discussion to initial and continuous training of the Early Childhood Educator and the construction of its professional identity, giving prominence to conflict situations existing in the workplace. The profile output reveals that the position is occupied by teachers, with an average age of 37, graduated and working mainly in classes with children aged 18 months to 3 and a half i.e. the older ones of Early Childhood. Access to the data produced by this research can help formulate public policies that seek the development of children enrolled in public day care centres in Rio de Janeiro, through investing in professionals specifically trained to deal with the challenges of working with small children

A presente pesquisa tem por objetivo investigar e desenhar o perfil dos professores de Educação Infantil do município do Rio de Janeiro, que trabalham em turmas de creche e são oriundos do primeiro concurso realizado para o cargo. Para tanto, as políticas públicas nacionais e regionais foram analisadas à luz do referencial do Ciclo de Políticas, de Ball e Bowe (1992 - 1994). Foram observados os diferentes contextos que culminaram com a criação do cargo de Professor de Educação Infantil (2010) na busca de elementos que ajudam a conhecer o quadro funcional dos profissionais que atuam na Educação Infantil, mais especificamente nas creches cariocas. Apresentamos um breve levantamento dos dados sobre a cidade do Rio de Janeiro, em especial, o lugar que ocupa a Educação Infantil no sistema de ensino carioca. A pesquisa adota uma metodologia qualitativa-quantitativa (quali-quanti). Foi utilizado um questionário digital (plataforma Google Docs) com questões referentes aos aspectos funcionais e formativos do professor. O questionário foi enviado digitalmente às creches para que fosse disponibilizado aos professores de educação infantil nelas lotados. Foram realizados dois grupos focais com professores que responderam ao instrumento digital e aceitaram o convite para participação na modalidade presencial da pesquisa. As questões apresentadas nos Grupos Focais buscaram qualificar os dados produzidos no questionário. As análises qualitativas apoiaram-se na perspectiva teórica de Lev Vigotski e entendem os sujeitos sócio-históricos, imersos em contextos específicos de desenvolvimento e em processo contínuo de transformação. A análise quantitativa apresentou dados relativos à idade, sexo, grupamentos de atuação e experiência profissional. A qualitativa ampliou a discussão sobre a formação inicial e continuada dos PEI e o processo de construção da identidade profissional por eles vivido, dando destaque às situações de conflitos existentes nos ambientes de trabalho (creche e EDI). O perfil produzido revela que o cargo é ocupado por professoras, com idade média de 37 anos, graduadas e que atuam prioritariamente em turmas de maternal. O acesso aos dados produzidos por esta pesquisa pode auxiliar a formulação de políticas públicas que busquem o desenvolvimento das crianças cariocas matriculadas nas creches, a partir do investimento em profissionais especificamente formados para lidar com os desafios do trabalho com as crianças pequenas / This research aims to investigate and draw the profile of the early childhood educators in the municipality of Rio de Janeiro, working in public day care centres, in particular those nominated from the first public recruitment exam held for this position. For this purpose, national and regional policies were analysed in light of the Policy Cycle approach by Ball and Bowe (1992-1994). Different contexts that led to the creation of the position of Early Childhood Educator (2010) were observed in search of elements to help understand the workforce of professionals in Early Childhood Education, more specifically in Rio public day care centres. We present a brief survey of data about Rio de Janeiro city, in particular, the place of Early Childhood in the Rio Education System. The research adopts a qualitative- quantitative methodology (quali- quanti). A digital questionnaire was used (Google Docs platform) with questions regarding functional aspects and the training of the educator. The questionnaire was sent digitally to the day care centres where the educators could access it. There were two focus groups with educators who responded to the digital questionnaire and accepted the invitation to participate in the research in-person. The questions in the focus groups sought to qualify the data generated by the questionnaire. Qualitative analyses are based on the theoretical perspective of Lev Vygotsky and encompasses the socio-historical subjects, immersed in specific contexts of development and continuous process of transformation. The quantitative analysis presented data on age, gender, work clusters and professional experience. The qualitative analysis expanded the discussion to initial and continuous training of the Early Childhood Educator and the construction of its professional identity, giving prominence to conflict situations existing in the workplace. The profile output reveals that the position is occupied by teachers, with an average age of 37, graduated and working mainly in classes with children aged 18 months to 3 and a half i.e. the older ones of Early Childhood. Access to the data produced by this research can help formulate public policies that seek the development of children enrolled in public day care centres in Rio de Janeiro, through investing in professionals specifically trained to deal with the challenges of working with small children

Thesis (MOccTher)--Stellenbosch University, 2011. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: Play is widely acknowledged as a cornerstone of childhood development. Its significance stretches beyond developing cognitive abilities and school readiness to the development of social skills, emotional expression and well-being. The milieu, or environment, is recognized as highly influential with regards to occupational performance; the play environment is therefore also of great importance to child development. However, there is a lack of knowledge regarding the assessment of this play environment, especially in a developing country context. This study therefore focuses on the play environment at South African crèches, specifically with regards to assessing the environmental factors impacting children’s play, namely play space, play objects, play time and play mates (including caregivers). The National Guidelines of ECD Services in South Africa had already set standards relating to play space, play time and caregiver ratio’s at crèches. Criteria for play objects were established as part of this study through an extensive literature review. These criteria were then applied in a quantitative, cross-sectional descriptive survey at registered crèches in Macassar, a community in the Cape Flats outside Cape Town. The survey results indicated that crèches complied to play space and play time regulations, but that not all crèches complied with the regulations regarding caregiver-child ratio’s and play object adequacy. The crèches especially lacked in gross motor play objects. These findings emphasize the importance of establishing practical criteria and guidelines for all aspects of the play environment and enforcing those standards at day care crèches. The study also provides a useful framework for measuring the adequacy of the play environment at South African crèches. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Spel is ‘n belangrike hoeksteen in kinderontwikkeling en het ‘n noemenswaardige impak op kognitiewe ontwikkeling, skoolgereedheid, die ontwikkeling van sosiale vaardighede, uitdrukking van emosies en algemene welstand. Die milieu, of omgewing, word wyd aangeslaan vir die invloed wat dit op arbeidsverrigting uitoefen en die spelomgewing is daarom belangrik. Daar is egter ‘n tekort in kennis aangaande die spel omgewing, veral in die konteks van ‘n ontwikkelende land soos Suid-Afrika. Hierdie studie bestudeer dus die spel omgewing in Suid-Afrikaanse dagsorgsentrums. Speel-spasie, speeltyd, speelgoed en speel-maats vorm saam die omgewingsfaktore wat op die spel omgewing impakteer en die studie fokus dus op hierdie vier faktore. Die Nasionale Riglyne vir Voorskoolse Kinder Ontwikkeling in Suid Afrika het reeds standaarde gestel ten opsigte van die vewagte fisiese spasie, speeltyd en die getal kinders tot versorgers (versorger-kind verhouding) by Suid Afrikaanse dagsorg sentrums. Kriteria wat meet of daar voldoende speelgoed beskikbaar is vir kinders se optimale ontwikkeling is na aanleiding van ‘n literatuurstudie ontwikkel. Hierdie kriteria, tesame met die kriteria wat deur die Nasionale Riglyne gestel is, is gebruik om die spelomgewing by dagsorg-sentrums in die Macassar gemeenskap op die Kaapse Vlaktes net buite Kaapstad te meet d.m.v ‘n beskrywende opname. Volgens die sensus resultate voldoen die dagsorgsentrums wel aan kriteria ten opsigte van fisiese spasie en beplande speeltyd, maar ontbreek hulle ten opsigte van die versorger-kind verhouding. Die resultate dui ook aan dat al die dagsorg-sentrums nie voldoende speelgoed gehad het om die volle spektrum van kinderontwikkeling te dek nie. Hulle het veral ontbreek in speelgoed vir grof-motoriese spel. Die studie beklemtoon die belang van praktiese en spesifieke riglyne en standaarde sowel as die implementering van hierdie standaarde. Die studie verskaf ook ‘n raamwerk wat gebruik kan word in die assesering van die spel omgewing in ‘n ontwikkelende konteks, sowel as om toekomstige intervensies te lei.

Abstract The development of new work practices requires the combination of several organizations. The interaction and knowledge formation of the participants are the essential factors. The aim of this study was to reveal their potential for forming new work practices to day-care centre work in the practice of Social Services (UAS) studies. The research focused on co-operative learning of the network of persons representing universities (academic and applied sciences) and day-care centres. The methodology of the study is based on developmental work research. Four different types of data were collected: 1. Discussion data of the Social Services (UAS) students, teachers and work place instructors during joint planning sessions, 2. Their stimulated recall -interview data, 3. The historical analysis of the day-care work, 4. Historical analysis of the transfer concept. The “expansive learning cycle” and historical analysis of the transfer were used as conceptual tools of analyzing teamwork and knowledge formation of the teams. The activity system model of developmental work research was used as conceptual tool of analyzing learning of the teams. Central themes were further elaborated using stimulated recall – interviews. The interaction mainly consisted of presenting one’s own view, and on the other hand, solving a common problem. The team did not question the interaction at a personal level. The team was not able to construct the common activity system and the boundary object between different institutions (the university, university of applied sciences and the day-care centres). Knowledge formation was conducted by reconstruction of existing knowledge and traditional transfer. On the other hand, regenerative learning and knowledge formation were developed in the activity system of the day-care centre and education. The team observed children’s learning and the contradictions of current activity and formed a new theoretical concept. It was applied as a tool for the activity of students. The new insight was not expanded to the work in day-care centres. Mere conversation is not sufficient - new work practices require mutual trust, strong network connections and the ability to assess and develop the attitude towards a more co-operative one. Knowledge formation provides regenerative learning. What is essential is questioning present practices, knowing the zone of proximal development of the work and modeling of new ideas. The most important in knowledge formation, interaction and learning are the theories of learning. The starting point to develop the work is to find the right object based on the needs of working life. / Tiivistelmä Uusien työtapojen kehittäminen vaatii useiden organisaatioiden yhteistoimintaa. Keskeistä on eri asiantuntijoiden vuorovaikutus ja tiedonmuodostus. Tutkimuksessa selvitettiin kehittäjätiimin vuorovaikutuksen ja tiedonmuodostuksen suhdetta uusien työtapojen muodostumiseen sosionomi (AMK) -koulutuksen harjoittelussa. Tutkimus kohdistui yliopiston, ammattikorkeakoulun ja päiväkodin edustajien yhteistoiminnalliseen oppimiseen tavoitteenaan kehittävä siirtovaikutus. Tutkimuksen metodologia perustuu kehittävään työntutkimukseen. Tutkimus sisältää neljä aineistoa: 1. Sosionomi (AMK) -opiskelijoiden, opettajien ja työpaikkaohjaajien keskusteluaineiston, 2. stimulated recall -haastatteluaineiston, 3. päiväkotityön historiallisen kehityksen analyysiaineiston, 4. siirtovaikutuksen käsitteen historiallisen analyysiaineiston. Keskusteluaineiston vuorovaikutuksen analyysimenetelmänä käytettiin tiimityön analysoinnin käsitteellisiä välineitä. Tiedonmuodostusta analysoitiin ekspansiivisella oppimissyklillä ja siirtovaikutuksen kehitysvaihemallilla. Päiväkotityön historia-analyysiä käytettiin osallistujien kehittämiskohteen tulkintaan. Oppimista analysoitiin toimintajärjestelmän rakennemallilla. Stimulated recall -haastattelut täydensivät analyysejä. Kehittäjätiimin vuorovaikutuksessa korostui oman näkökulman esittäminen ja toisaalta yhteisen ongelman ratkaiseminen. Osallistujat eivät kyseenalaistaneet yksilötason vuorovaikutustaan. Tiimi ei pystynyt luomaan yliopiston, ammattikorkeakoulun ja päiväkodin edustajien yhteistä toimintajärjestelmää ja kehittämiskohdetta. Tiedonmuodostusta ohjasivat valmiin tiedon rekonstruointi ja staattinen siirtovaikutus. Toisaalta päiväkodin ja koulutuksen toimintajärjestelmässä kehittyi uudistavaa oppimista. Osallistujat käsittelivät lasten oppimista, nykytoiminnan ristiriitoja ja muodostivat uuden selitysmallin, jolla oli teoreettista merkitystä opiskelijan toiminnan välineenä. Uusi selitysmalli ei siirtynyt päiväkotityöhön. Pelkkä keskustelu ei riitä - uudet työtavat edellyttävät keskinäistä luottamusta, vahvoja verkostosuhteita sekä kykyä arvioida ja kehittää asennetta yhteistoiminnallisuuteen. Tärkeimmiksi tiedonmuodostusta, vuorovaikutusta ja oppimista sääteleviksi tekijöiksi nousevat oppimisteoriat. Uudistukset edellyttävät uudistavaa oppimista. Keskeistä on taito yhdessä kyseenalaistaa nykyistä toimintaa, hahmottaa työn lähikehitys sekä mallittaa uusia ideoita. Lähtökohtana ovat työelämän tarpeista nousevat kehittämiskohteet.