EVALUATING THE RELIABILITY OF FACTORS IMPACTING PERCEIVED RISK IN MONITORING UNREGISTERED CHILDCARE CENTRES

Abstract: Nowadays, childcare plays a crucial role in society, supporting the development and well-being of children while enabling parents to work and contribute to the economy. Prioritizing childcare is essential for fostering healthy child development, supporting families, and promoting economic prosperity. However, poor-quality childcare can have detrimental consequences for children, families, and society as a whole. Hence, this study aims to evaluate the reliability of the questionnaire used in exploring an unregistered childcare monitoring model, by examining the impact of customer reviews, interactivity, law, rules and regulations, and technology innovation on perceived risk to assist parents in making less risky childcare decisions. A total of 30 working mothers from across Malaysia who send their children aged 0-4 years to childcare centres are involved in this pilot study. The study data were obtained through a questionnaire survey. The reliability level of this questionnaire is high, with a Cronbach's Alpha value exceeding 0.70. The data collected was analysed using SPSS version 29. A website or mobile app can be developed based on the findings to enable parents and the Department of Social Welfare (DSW) to rate childcare centres quality and interact with other parents. Thus, parents can make more informed decisions by purchasing childcare services with the least perceived risk. Furthermore, innovating unregistered childcare monitoring through a market-based approach can increase public confidence on DSW's capability to govern these illegal activities. The childcare monitoring model also provides a more economical solution that will reduce government spending on hiring childcare centre inspectors, as parents will voluntarily contribute their reviews about suboptimal childcare services. Keywords: Childcare; Mitoring Model; Unregistered Childcare; Perceived Risk; Customer Review; Interactivity; Law, Rules and Regulation; Technology Innovation