Daycare Services and Play Therapy: A Study of Daycare Services for the "Whole Child's" Development
Daycare Services and Play Therapy: A Study of Daycare Services for the "Whole Child's" Development
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Issue Date
1987
Authors
Hawthorne, Elaine W.
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Abstract
Structured interviews and a questionnaire were used in this descriptive study to determine the scope of daycare services for the "whole child's" development through the inclusion of a mental health consultant specializing in play therapy. The hypothesis that daycare centers' directors and/or owners would accept this concept was directly and indirectly supported. The research questions gave indications of an overall knowledge of play therapy. A majority of daycare center directors/owners are in favor of adding a psychological domain to daycare center services. With the necessary funding, a specialist in play therapy would be included in some centers' services. Direct quotations of the interview responses and of the questionnaire responses are identified which are in support of the hypothesis and answer the research questions. An investigation of the present daycare services is included. Recommendations are that (1) elementary schools alert daycare centers of the importance of early intervention for children at risk and (2) early childhood specialists include psychological domains while planning new centers.