Abstract

Background: Quality childcare is critical to child development, yet there is limited research on parental perception of quality childcare. This study aimed to explore parental perception of quality childcare and identify factors associated with positive perceptions.

Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted on parents of children aged 0-5 years attending licensed childcare centers in a suburban area. The survey included questions on demographics, childcare utilization, and perception of quality childcare. Responses were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics.

Results: A total of 180 parents participated in the study, with a mean age of 32 years. The majority (91%) of parents reported utilizing licensed childcare centers, and 54% reported utilizing full-time care. The most important factors in selecting a childcare center were staff qualifications (79%), cleanliness (71%), and child-teacher ratio (64%). Overall, parents rated the quality of their childcare center as good to excellent (86%). Factors associated with positive perceptions of quality childcare included higher education level (p=0.02), higher income (p=0.01), and full-time childcare utilization (p=0.01).

Conclusion: Parental perception of quality childcare is influenced by staff qualifications, cleanliness, and childteacher ratio. Higher education level, higher income, and full-time childcare utilization are associated with positive perceptions. These findings can inform childcare policies and practices to improve parental satisfaction and promote child development.