The thesis ‘Quality in home-based childcare: Impact and improvement’ consists of two studies. The general aim of the first study is to examine children’s stress levels and wellbeing, and the role... Show moreThe thesis ‘Quality in home-based childcare: Impact and improvement’ consists of two studies. The general aim of the first study is to examine children’s stress levels and wellbeing, and the role of caregiver stress and childcare quality. This first study is described in chapters 2, 3, and 4. Chapter 2 addresses the question whether children’s cortisol levels (and wellbeing) differ between contexts (childcare day or at home day) and setting (childcare homes and childcare centers), and associations with childcare quality are examined. Chapter 3 reports on caregivers’ cortisol levels (and perceived stress) between contexts (work day, non-work day) and setting (childcare homes and childcare centers). In addition, associations between caregiver stress and childcare quality are examined. Chapter 4 investigates associations between caregivers’ cortisol levels (and perceived stress) and children’s wellbeing and cortisol in home-based childcare. Also, children’s temperament is taken into account. In the second study, described in chapter 5, we test the effectiveness of the Video-feedback Intervention to promote Positive Parenting – Childcare (VIPP-CC) in enhancing childcare quality in home-based childcare. Show less
