Abstract:
The research comprises of two divisions. Firstly a literature study and secondly an empirical research which was performed by the compiling and completion of a questionnaire. The researcher’s investigation was a reconnoitring study and can be the foundation of further research in this field. The literature study made the compilation of the questionnaire possible and thus provides the context within which the empirical study was conducted, by means of discussing the following: Ø The developmental phase of the toddler Ø The developmental characteristics of the toddler Ø The implication of being in need of care on the development of the toddler Ø The role and tasks of the child care worker in the context of lifespace work with children The empirical study comprised of the completion of a questionnaire that determined the training needs of the child care worker who works with the toddler. Based on the data received through the empirical study the conclusion was made that child care workers, working with the toddler experience numerous training needs. Recommendations are made concerning ways in which organisations who are involved in child and youth care can see to it that the child care workers receive adequate training that will equip them to execute their task successfully.
