ASSESSMENT OF INFANTS CARE IN DAY CARE CENTERS IN PORT SAID

Abstract

The normal growth and development of a healthy child reflects the care the infant received in the first year of his life. The infants is completely dependent on others for meeting his I her needs. Today, more women with young children are taking jobs, either because they must support the family or they like to be an active member in the society. Therefore working mothers are in need for a safe place to keep their children. So, the community established different day care centers.

The aim of the present study was to assess the infants' care in day care centers in Port Said.

One hundred infant who attended 10 day care centers comprised the sample . An observation sheet was developed to collect data about biosocial data of infants, their parents, and caregivers and the care provided to infants. The care included physical care, such as nutrition, hygiene, and safety measures, psychosocial care, as play, warmth and affection, and stimulation, A pilot study was carried out on ten infants and necessary modifications were done. Each infant was observed for four hours for three days.