Ponpawee Uraisawat. A comparative study of the effectiveness of child care attendants who attended and not attended the capacity building for early childhood care and development with participatory approach program in Bang Pa-In district, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya, province. Master's Degree(Human Development ). Mahidol University. : Mahidol University, 2005.
A comparative study of the effectiveness of child care attendants who attended and not attended the capacity building for early childhood care and development with participatory approach program in Bang Pa-In district, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya, province
Abstract:
This is a comparative study of the effectiveness of child care attendants (CCA) with and without capacity building in-service training experiences in Bang Pa-in District, Ayutthaya province. Six Child development centers were divided into 2 groups of 3, with trained CCA and un-trained CCA. Each group takes care of 40 children. With questionnaires, tests and objective observation, the CCAs profile, knowledge, attitude, childcare practice and teaching skills were determined 8 months after the training program. Childrens growth and development status were assessed 1 month after entering the centers and then again 6 months later. Parents and community leaders were interviewed to assess their participation and satisfaction. Percentage and t-test were used in data analysis. Trained CCAs who had low performance at base line had better knowledge, attitude and practice particularly in teaching skills as shown in higher mean scores (K 74% to 54% , A 82% to 73%, P 69% - 64% and T 93% to 62%). However, the difference was statistically significant only in knowledge mean scores (p-value = 0.01) Parents and community leaders involvement and satisfaction with the centers was comparable in both groups. The most remarkable findings were in the improvement or favorable changes in childrens growth and development among the trained group, which was poorer at the outset but showed higher improvement than those in the untrained group (25 to 13 scores). In conclusion, even in less advantaged areas, young childrens growth and development could be improved significantly when CCAs received appropriate participatory in-service training. More advocacy and social mobilization are needed to increase awareness and support from parents and community leaders.