Assessment of Babysitters' Awareness of Speech and Language Development: A Pilot Study
Abstract
Objectives: The aim of this pilot study was to evaluate the awareness levels of in-home babysitters caring for children aged 0–48 months regarding early speech and language development, and to examine the relationship between awareness levels and variables such as educational background and professional caregiving experience.
Materials and Methods: This study was designed as a cross-sectional and analytical pilot investigation. A total of 41 in-home babysitters actively providing care for children aged 0–48 months were included. Data were collected using a sociodemographic information form and the Babysitters' Awareness of Speech and Language Development Form, developed by the researchers. The form assessed awareness related to early speech and language developmental milestones, developmental risk indicators, and interactional practices that support language development. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics, group comparisons, and correlation analyses.
Results: Overall awareness levels of early speech and language development among participants were found to be in the low-to-moderate range. The mean total awareness score was calculated as 56.1%. Babysitters with higher educational levels demonstrated significantly higher awareness scores compared to those with lower educational attainment (p < 0.05). Although a positive association was observed between professional caregiving experience and awareness levels, this relationship did not reach statistical significance (r = 0.278, p > 0.05).
Conclusion: The findings suggest that babysitters may require additional support to accurately recognize developmental milestones and early risk indicators. This pilot study highlights the need to strengthen in-home babysitters' awareness of early speech and language development to support timely identification and appropriate referral processes. The findings provide a scientific basis for the development of structured awareness and educational programs targeting babysitters involved in early childhood care.
Keywords
Ethical Statement
Ethical approval for the study was obtained from the Scientific Research and Publication Ethics Committee of İnönü University (Date: 05 March 2026; Session Number: 4; Decision Number: 6). All procedures were conducted in accordance with the principles of the Declaration of Helsinki, and written informed consent was obtained from all participants prior to data collection.
References
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Details
Primary Language
English
Subjects
Speech Pathology
Journal Section
Research Article
Publication Date
August 28, 2026
Submission Date
May 5, 2026
Acceptance Date
June 16, 2026
Published in Issue
Year 2026 Volume: 13 Number: 2
APA
Şimşek, A., & Güneş, Z. (2026). Assessment of Babysitters’ Awareness of Speech and Language Development: A Pilot Study. Hacettepe University Faculty of Health Sciences Journal, 13(2), 518-533. https://doi.org/10.21020/husbfd.1944934
AMA
1.Şimşek A, Güneş Z. Assessment of Babysitters’ Awareness of Speech and Language Development: A Pilot Study. HUFHSJ. 2026;13(2):518-533. doi:10.21020/husbfd.1944934
Chicago
Şimşek, Agit, and Zehra Güneş. 2026. “Assessment of Babysitters’ Awareness of Speech and Language Development: A Pilot Study”. Hacettepe University Faculty of Health Sciences Journal 13 (2): 518-33. https://doi.org/10.21020/husbfd.1944934.
EndNote
Şimşek A, Güneş Z (August 1, 2026) Assessment of Babysitters’ Awareness of Speech and Language Development: A Pilot Study. Hacettepe University Faculty of Health Sciences Journal 13 2 518–533.
IEEE
[1]A. Şimşek and Z. Güneş, “Assessment of Babysitters’ Awareness of Speech and Language Development: A Pilot Study”, HUFHSJ, vol. 13, no. 2, pp. 518–533, Aug. 2026, doi: 10.21020/husbfd.1944934.
ISNAD
Şimşek, Agit - Güneş, Zehra. “Assessment of Babysitters’ Awareness of Speech and Language Development: A Pilot Study”. Hacettepe University Faculty of Health Sciences Journal 13/2 (August 1, 2026): 518-533. https://doi.org/10.21020/husbfd.1944934.
JAMA
1.Şimşek A, Güneş Z. Assessment of Babysitters’ Awareness of Speech and Language Development: A Pilot Study. HUFHSJ. 2026;13:518–533.
MLA
Şimşek, Agit, and Zehra Güneş. “Assessment of Babysitters’ Awareness of Speech and Language Development: A Pilot Study”. Hacettepe University Faculty of Health Sciences Journal, vol. 13, no. 2, Aug. 2026, pp. 518-33, doi:10.21020/husbfd.1944934.
Vancouver
1.Agit Şimşek, Zehra Güneş. Assessment of Babysitters’ Awareness of Speech and Language Development: A Pilot Study. HUFHSJ. 2026 Aug. 1;13(2):518-33. doi:10.21020/husbfd.1944934