Child Protection Roles and Practices Implemented by Kimbiji Community Daycare Centre in Creating a Safe and Supportive Environment for Children in Kigamboni District, Dar es Salaam Region, Tanzania

This study examined the child protection roles and practices implemented by Kimbiji Community Daycare Centre in creating a safe and supportive environment for children in Kigamboni District, Dar es Salaam Region, Tanzania. The study was guided by Social Learning Theory and Ecological Systems Theory. A qualitative case study design and qualitative research approach were adopted. Twelve participants were purposively selected, including the daycare centre manager, a caregiver, a support staff member, five parents or guardians, the Social Welfare Officer, the Ward Executive Officer, the Mtaa Chairperson and the Mtaa Executive Officer. Data were collected through interviews, key informant interviews and document review and were analysed thematically. The findings revealed that child protection was embedded in everyday caregiving through close supervision of children, observation of their physical and emotional wellbeing, management of environmental hazards, gentle and caring interaction, and education of parents through parent meetings. Document review confirmed that parent meeting records were available, but participants’ accounts showed that parents’ understanding of the centre’s child protection role was not uniform. The study concludes that a community-based daycare centre can create a protective environment through routine caregiving and parental engagement, although the effectiveness of this role depends on caregiver capacity and sustained parental participation. Recommendations were drawn for the centre management, parents and guardians, social welfare authorities and other stakeholders to strengthen caregiver training, parental education and collaboration in community-based early childhood development settings in Kigamboni District.