Parental Experiences of Childcare in An Informal Urban Settlement; Qualitative Interview Findings from The Nairobi Early Childcare in Slums Project

Abstract

This paper presents findings from a study conducted in three informal settlements or slums in Nairobi: Kibera; Kawangware; and Mukuru-Viwandani to gain an in-depth understanding of parent/carers' perspectives on, and decision-making about, early childhood care in general, and paid childcare specifically, in informal settlements in Nairobi.These findings suggest a need, and opportunity, to improve early childhood care in slums. Understanding parental perspectives on both the deficiencies and valued features of childcare is likely to be vital to informing efforts to improve childcare in these settings.