Children's perceptions of their day care experiences

Results of a study focused on using a Day Care Center Toy and Interview Questionnaire to obtain information about preschool children's perceptions of their day care experiences are summarized. Fifty‐eight preschool children from a variety of day care centers were interviewed about their liking for day care, selected problem situations, day care activities, and behaviors of their teachers. These children were able to express their thoughts and feelings about day care with the Day Care Center Toy and Interview Questionnaire through role playing, manipulation of objects, and verbal expression of concerns. Interscorer agreement in evaluating the interview data ranged from 92% to 100%. The Day Care Center Toy and Interview Questionnaire shows promise as a means of aiding early childhood educators in obtaining information about preschool children's perceptions of their day care experiences.