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Journals / Hacettepe Üniversitesi Sağlık Bilimleri Fakültesi Dergisi / 2026 / Volume: 13 Issue: 2

Assessment of Babysitters' Awareness of Speech and Language Development: A Pilot Study

Agit Şimşek(İNÖNÜ ÜNİVERSİTESİ)0000-0003-1572-1188
Zehra Güneş(İNÖNÜ ÜNİVERSİTESİ)0009-0008-1560-5439
Pages
—
Publication Date
2026-08-28
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AI Summary & Key Takeaways

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⚡ TL;DR(Too Long; Didn't Read)

Results: Overall awareness levels of early speech and language development among participants were found to be in the low-to-moderate range.

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Objective & Hypothesis: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.
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Key Findings & Data:A total of 41 in-home babysitters actively providing care for children aged 0–48 months were included.
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Conclusion & Impact:Results: Overall awareness levels of early speech and language development among participants were found to be in the low-to-moderate range.
🔬Design:Research Article
📍Scope:Comprehensive Sample
⚙️Variables:babysitter · language development · speech development

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). 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.

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Cite This Article

Şimşek, A., Güneş, Z. (2026). Assessment of Babysitters' Awareness of Speech and Language Development: A Pilot Study. Hacettepe Üniversitesi Sağlık Bilimleri Fakültesi Dergisi, Volume: 13 Issue: 2. https://doi.org/10.21020/husbfd.1944934

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