Exploring Early Childhood Development practitioners’ perceptions of their caregiving roles for young children in South Africa

Abstract

Both local and international research has demonstrated that the early years of a child’s life are crucial for development. Yet, in South Africa, there is limited research centred on Early Childhood Development (ECD) practitioners’ caregiving role as well as their perceived contribution to childhood development. For this reason, this study aimed to explore ECD practitioners’ perceptions of their caregiving role for young children in South Africa. An exploratory qualitative research design was employed to achieve the research aim. Eight ECD practitioners were recruited through purposive and snowball sampling. Data was collected through individual semi-structured interviews. The interviews were transcribed and thematically analysed through which four main themes were conceptualised: ECD practitioners’ perceptions of ECD, and their contributions to ECD; Perceptions of caregiving and roles that ECD practitioners play; Qualities of an ECD practitioner; and ECD practitioners’ relationships with children. Based on the findings, it can be concluded that although the participants did not explicitly define caregiving in line with caregiver sensitivity/responsiveness as conceptualised within attachment theory, they nonetheless perceived themselves as caregivers who engage in several caregiving activities. The participants also demonstrated an understanding of what Early Childhood Development entails.