FACILITIES AND EQUIPMENT IN CHILDCARE SETTINGS: PROMOTING A SUSTAINABLE ENVIRONMENT FOR INFANTS AND TODDLERS

Well-designed physical spaces and appropriate equipment are crucial for enhancing the quality of care and education for infants and toddlers. Four key areas were examined hygiene and safety, learning and development, space and facility management, and sustainability. The study sampled childcare centers based on their geographic distribution and type, including 193 centers—155 public and 38 private. The findings reveal disparities in facilities and equipment between public and private centers, highlighting the need for more detailed regulations and sustainable practices. Public centers, which benefit from government funding, typically offer higher-quality facilities, whereas private centers, constrained by costs, often lack sustainable equipment and caregiver-friendly amenities. Additionally, the potential risks associated with over-reliance on soothing chairs, baby cradles, and playpens may impede toddlers' physical development. The results underscore the need for clear guidelines to help private centers enhance their facilities and call for more specific standards, especially in rapidly expanding public childcare services in Asian countries, to ensure that childcare environments support the well-being of both children and caregivers. Keywords: childcare settings, caring environment, infants and toddlers, sustainable environment, age-appropriate