Abstract
The main purpose of the study was to evolve the construction criteria for
functional apparel for caregivers in day care centres in Delta state.
Specifically the study identified child care tasks performed by caregivers
in the day care and construction criteria for functional apparel based on
their tasks. Study was guided by two research questions. Its design was
survey and was carried out in Delta state, Nigeria. Population of the
study was 2620 caregivers. Multi-stage random sampling methods were
used to select 297 caregivers for the study. Data were collected with
observation checklist and functional clothing requirement assessment
questionnaire for caregivers (FCRAQC). The data were analysed using
frequency, percentages, mean and standard deviation. Findings revealed
41 tasks performed by caregivers and as such desired apparel made for
comfortable in fit and durable in use, safe to prevent fall and injury to the
children and wearer and allow easy movement for daily performance of
child care tasks among others. Conclusively caregivers require functional
apparel in child care for safety and job efficiency. It was recommended
that apparel producers should utilize findings to produce functional
apparel for caregivers and other occupational jobs.