ABSTRACT

The aim of this study was to explore the experiences of early childhood development (ECD) centre staff in providing care and learning support to children living in a high-risk, low socioeconomic community. We interviewed 14 staff from an ECD centre. Interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim and analysed thematically. We derived four over-arching themes which demonstrated contextual-, parent-, child- and staff-related factors that influenced ECD staff’s daily work experiences. Challenges relating to poverty, violence, trauma, and substance exposure cut across each theme. Providing a safe and nurturing learning place for children was essential to staff and allowed them an opportunity to deal with some challenges. Characteristics of staff such as passion, resourcefulness, and commitment, went a long way in providing motivation to overcome challenges. Finding ways to support ECD staff working in low socioeconomic environments are important avenues for further research to prevent staff burnout, and to promote optimal child development.

摘要

本研究的目的是探讨早期儿童发展 (ECD) 中心工作人员在为生活在高风险、低社会经济社区的儿童提供护理和学习支持方面的经验。我们采访了 ECD 中心的 14 名工作人员。采访被录音、逐字转录和主题分析。我们得出了四个总体主题，这些主题展示了影响 ECD 员工日常工作经验的环境、父母、儿童和员工相关因素。与贫困、暴力、创伤和物质接触相关的挑战贯穿每个主题。为儿童提供一个安全和有教养的学习场所对工作人员来说至关重要，并让他们有机会应对一些挑战。员工的特点，如热情、机智和承诺，在提供克服挑战的动力方面走了很长一段路。寻找支持在低社会经济环境中工作的 ECD 员工的方法是进一步研究防止员工倦怠和促进儿童最佳发展的重要途径。