Quality of interactions in home-based childcare: Considering normative and meaning-making approaches

Authors

  • Julie Lachapelle Université du Québec à Montréal
  • Lise Lemay Université du Québec à Montréal

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.26443/mje/rsem.v58i3.10085

Keywords:

Quality of interactions, Childcare, Home-based childcare, Childcare center, Conceptions, Normative approach, Meaning making approach, Cultural analysis, Classroom Assessment Scoring System

Abstract

This article aims to describe home-based childcare providers’ conceptions of quality interactions. Based on a meaning-making approach, participants’ conceptions were collected through semi-structured interviews and then analyzed through a cultural lens. The conceptions were also compared to the domains and dimensions of the Classroom Assessment Scoring System Toddler, a standardized instrument designed to measure the quality of interactions as a normative concept in childcare centers. The results show that there are mainly differences in the conceptions regarding interactions as experienced in home-based childcare and in childcare centers. A diversity of languages is necessary to consider the distinct cultural context of home-based childcare.

Author Biographies

Julie Lachapelle, Université du Québec à Montréal

PhD, is a professor in early childhood education at the Université du Québec en Outaouais (Quebec, Canada) and a collaborating member of the “Qualité des contextes éducatifs de la petite enfance” research team. She has also worked for 20 years as a preschool and elementary school teacher. Her research interests focus on the quality of teaching practices regarding emergent literacy in preschool education, on children's engagement, and on the work experience of early childhood education and school staff. julie.lachapelle@uqo.ca

Lise Lemay, Université du Québec à Montréal

PhD, is a professor in didactics of early childhood education at the Université du Québec à Montréal (Quebec, Canada) since 2014 and scientific director of the “Qualité des contextes éducatifs de la petite enfance” research team since 2024. She is interested in the quality of early childhood educational contexts, home-based childcare, the play-based approach, pretend play, and child development. She collaborates with the Ministère de la Famille in the implementation of the measure “Évaluation et amélioration de la qualité éducative des services de garde éducatifs à l'enfance en installation”. lemay.lise@uqam.ca

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Published

2025-01-22

How to Cite

Lachapelle, J., & Lemay, L. (2025). Quality of interactions in home-based childcare: Considering normative and meaning-making approaches . McGill Journal of Education / Revue Des Sciences De l’éducation De McGill, 58(3), 81–105. https://doi.org/10.26443/mje/rsem.v58i3.10085

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