Browsing by Author "KANGOMBE, Claire"

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    Assessing the Quality of Childcare Services for Child Development in a Low-Income Lusaka Area
    (University of Lusaka, 2025) KANGOMBE, Claire
    The early years of a child’s life largely contribute to setting a tone for their quality of life in the future. Their growth and development is largely influences by the experiences in their early years. With the most rapid development taking place between the ages 0 to 5 years, it becomes important to ensure that children receive the best quality of care for their optimum development. The Nurturing Care Framework has served as a template to ensure the care of a child is comprehensive and attends to the five components namely, good nutrition, access to good health, opportunities for early learning, safety and security and responsive caregiving – which create a nurturing environment for their growth and development. However, with the coming of modern societal structures, there is a growing need for parents and guardians to outsource childcare services for children who may not be at the age to participate in formal schooling. Available childcare services in Zambia range from in-home, family based and center-based childcare with access being determined by varying factors. With increased attention being given to ensuring access to childcare the quality of the services being provided is not being attended to. This study aims to assess the quality of childcare services in low-income urban areas of Zambia, particularly in Kalingalinga as well as its effects on child development and the workforce participation of parents particularly women. Using a qualitative approach, the study utilized quantitative and qualitative data to identify the key characteristics of provided and accessed childcare services, analyze their effects on the holistic development of children as well as assess their influence on workforce participation. Analysis of the responses demonstrated that families in Kalingalinga utilize all forms of childcare for their children 0-6years with the majority utilizing in-home care followed by center-based care. These services were found to be lacking with regards to trained and qualified caregivers, appropriate child to caregiver ratio as well as availability of materials and resources to contribute to the holistic development of children. However, despite the shortfalls and challenges, the childcare services do positively influence/affect child development and contribute to participation of women in the workforce though quality and progression are determined by other factors outside of childcare services. Key words: quality childcare, child development and Kalingalinga