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Knowledge and experiences of child care workers regarding care and management of children with special needs in Gauteng, South Africa

Objective The aim of the study was to determine the knowledge and experiences of child care workers in the care and management of children with special needs in four institutions of the Department of Social Development in Tshwane Metro. Method Self-administered questionnaires were used to collect data from 253 child care workers. Results Child care workers showed a low level of knowledge about children with special needs. Most of the participants (67.4%) indicated that they need training in the care and management of children with special needs. Over half of the participants (57.3%) experienced feelings of frustration associated with working with special needs children. Lack of training and resources, and children's level of disability and behaviour were the major causes of this frustration. Conclusions A system of care to assure safe, quality service is paramount to ensure optimum care and management of children with special needs.