Parents’ expectations about early years services

Abstract

This exploratory study was conducted amongst 518 families using early years facilities within the Maltese context. Although availability of early years services, especially for the under-threes has increased substantially, there is a lack of research documenting who uses these services; parents’ perceptions and expectations about such services; factors considered in determining choice of settings; and satisfaction with the service provided. Results obtained from questionnaires indicate that parents rely on recommendations of friends and relatives as the main criterion which contributes to a final decision about choice of settings. Over half the participants reported that they had never visited an early years setting prior to taking a decision even where respondents were using services for the first time. Within a split early years system, whilst childcare services are seen as an opportunity for women to return or continue to work, attending kindergarten is perceived as an opportunity for children to socialise and be prepared for school.