Greener Journal of Educational Research

Greener Journal of  Educational Research Vol. 3 (7), pp. 297-300, September 2013

 ISSN: 2276-7789 

Research Paper

Manuscript Number: 070113698

 

Short-Changing the System: Putting Young Children’s Health on the Blocks

 

Ndhlula Douglas

 

Lecturer, Great Zimbabwe University, Department of Educational Foundations, Ecd Section.

 

Email: ndhlulad @ gmail.com

Abstract:

This study set out to investigate whether preschools in one mining town in the Midlands Province of Zimbabwe are complying with the health and safety standards stipulated in the Zimbabwe Public Health Act 15:09(1996). A qualitative research paradigm was adopted for the study. Observation was opted for as the major data gathering method. The research study revealed that preschools did not have enough space, had few toilets in relation to children’s enrolments and had hazardous playgrounds and equipment. The researcher concluded that although some preschools strived to offer services and maintain health and safety standards, the standards were far from being developmentally appropriate and led to low quality childcare. It is recommended that there should be a national audit of all preschools to ascertain levels of compliance and advise accordingly.
 
Keywords: Health, Safety, Early Childhood Development, Preschools, Complying.

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