Childcare in the State of Qatar

The State of Qatar has seen sharp changes towards modernisation in recent years. These include changes in the State infrastructure, the economy, the open market policy, democracy and the introduction of legislation to support these changes. Family and childcare have attracted important attention and concern during these changes from the State authority to meet the future challenges and the needs and satisfaction of children, as well as their parents. No comprehensive research has been conducted in the field of childcare in the State to support, enhance and provide insight into the authority decision-making or policies towards childcare and welfare. Therefore, this study represents the first research in this field and also represents part of the State’s policy to cover this omission. The research aims to open, promote and explore issues of childcare for children with special needs. These issues include care agencies’ practices and values, partnership with parents, services provided, care policies and social barriers. Extensive fieldwork was carried out to provide the data and information needed, with a framework based on systems and family theories to meet the aims and objectives of the research. The main services provided by the care agencies are education and social skills programmes; this reflects the parents’ wishes. The research also provides the various changes needed within the profession to meet the future challenges. On the basis of this research, a number of conclusions have been drawn. Entering into partnerships with parents of children with special needs is still in its early stages in the State. There is a need to promote and encourage this partnership. There is also a need to develop mutual understanding and share experiences with parents. The research has also revealed that the social barriers are the main obstacles for integrating children with special into society.