A Study of the Usefulness of F–SOAIP Support in Childcare Records

Abstract

In this study, we applied F–SOAIP, an itemized progress record method that has been used in the medical and welfare fields, to childcare records and examined its usefulness for childcare records. This study revealed three usefulnesses of using F–SOAIP for childcare records: (1) ease of writing and teaching through items, and (2) awareness of the "cyclical process of childcare" that leads to changes in practice, and (3) reaffirmation of the significance of records in sharing intentions and wishes. The use of the F–SOAIP reduced the burden on the caregivers due to the ease of writing in small steps and the visual clarity. In addition, the childcare records helped the caregivers to understand the "cyclical process of childcare" and led to a change in their awareness and behavior. In addition, the caregivers came to recognize the significance of the records for understanding each other's intentions and wishes.