Perceptions of daycare providers about climate-sensitive care for children’s physical well-being

Abstract

This qualitative study explores how daycare providers in Dhaka, Bangladesh, perceive and practice climate-sensitive care in relation to children's physical well-being. Recognizing the increasing vulnerability of young children to climate-induced health risks, the study aims to understand how caregivers adapt their daily practices in response to climate-induced environmental stressors, such as extreme heat, air pollution, and the risk of vector-borne diseases. Data were collected through six in depth interviews (IDIs) and three observational sessions conducted in selected private daycare centers. Thematic analysis revealed that while most providers were unfamiliar with the formal concept of “climate-sensitive care,” they intuitively implemented a range of adaptive strategies, including hydration management, ventilation control, mosquito prevention, and activity adjustments during high temperatures. These practices were driven largely by experience rather than formal knowledge, training, or policy guidance. The findings highlight a gap between informal caregiving responses and systemic institutional support. This study underscores the urgent need to integrate structured capacity building training, infrastructure standards, and policy frameworks into Bangladesh’s childcare sector to enhance resilience and ensure equitable child physical well-being in a changing climate.