By Hanim Zulaikha Zulkifli
In an exclusive interview with Nadira Yusoff the Founder and CEO of Kiddocare, Malaysian Business Online, delve into the challenges working mothers face and the innovative solutions Kiddocare provides. Nadira, a mompreneur and engineer, shared her vision of using technology to bridge the gap in the childcare industry and empower women to pursue their careers while ensuring quality care for children.
One of the main challenges working mothers face, including Nadira, is finding suitable and reliable childcare that meets their requirements. Flexible timing, duration, and location are essential for moms who work long hours, including during public holidays. Recognising that childcare restrained women from joining or staying in the workforce, Nadira addressed this matter by creating reliable and flexible solutions.
In 2018, Nadira, already an entrepreneur and engineer with several technology businesses, conceptualised the idea of using technology to build a platform that would make a difference for women. The objective is to provide job opportunities by training caregivers in childcare, enabling them to support women who are looking to start their own businesses or pursue professional careers while still having time for themselves.
Babysitting Service App
Kiddocare strives to provide a trusted platform that connects parents with reliable care services accessible at any time, anywhere and on demand. What makes Kiddocare different is its commitment to delivering top-notch caring services through certified and qualified caregivers. Nadira emphasised that the quality of care stems from the act of caring itself, which is why Kiddocare takes the liberty to provide training, assessing, and conducting security background checks for all caregivers associated with the company.
Kiddocare Academy
Recognising the pressure and commitment of caregiving, Kiddocare focuses on equipping caregivers with a holistic range of services to ensure they can meet parents' expectations. Caregivers undergo an onboarding process conducted by the Kiddocare Academy, ensuring they are qualified to provide the utmost care services for children. The platform also supports parents through standard operating procedures, updating features, and convenient customer services.
Continuous improvement is a priority for Kiddocare, with a dedicated team that provides ongoing customer support and ensures caregivers enhance their service levels. Nadira believes in leveraging technology to efficiently solve obstacles in the childcare system, improving the quality of caregiving services and focusing on child development and character building.
Kiddocarer
Parents have praised the flexibility, reliability, and quality care provided by Kiddocare, empowering working mothers to balance their careers and care for their children effectively. The platform has also enabled stay-at-home moms to re-enter the workforce or become entrepreneurs, highlighting the diverse opportunities available through Kiddocare.
The success stories extend beyond the parents themselves. Kiddocare's caregivers, known as Kiddocarers, have experienced life-changing opportunities through the platform. Khodijah Mat Edek, a Kiddocarer for three years, started as a single mother looking for part-time work with flexible hours. Through Kiddocare, she found a safe and fulfilling career and gained valuable experience and training in caring for special children.
Nur Aqilah Bt Mohd Rozey, another Kiddocarer, was retrenched from being a kindergarten teacher due to school closures during the COVID-19 pandemic. Joining Kiddocare provided her with a stable income and an opportunity to contribute to the childcare industry, aligning with her previous experience as a kindergarten teacher.
As the CEO of Kiddocare, Nadira Yusof has faced various challenges. Balancing personal and professional life while scaling the business is demanding, but she remains committed to providing prompt services without compromising quality. Technology development and fundraising activities are essential to Kiddocare's growth as they strive to meet the increasing demand for their services.
Rigorous Selection Process
Nadira believes that supporting and encouraging Kiddocarers is essential for providing the best possible care to children. Kiddocare carefully selects caregivers who share their values of compassion, patience, and dedication. The company offers training programs covering child development, safety procedures, effective communication, and tailored courses to meet specific needs. Flexible working hours are provided to accommodate the caregivers' preferences and convenience, fostering a positive working environment and career progression.
Kiddocare's impact extends beyond individual careers. By highlighting the economic value of caregiving, Kiddocare aims to change the narrative and promote gender and socioeconomic equality. Providing affordable and dependable caregiving support enables women to concentrate on their careers, balancing their caregiving responsibilities effectively. By investing in quality care and support, the platform contributes to the future productivity and competitiveness of the country.
Care Economy Forum
Kiddocare actively engages with stakeholders through events such as the Care Economy Forum to raise awareness about the caregiving situation in Malaysia. By co-organising this forum with AVPN and UN Women, Kiddocare brings together policymakers, investors, corporate companies, and associations to discuss professionalising caregiving jobs and supporting career progression. The forum also highlights success stories through various channels, aiming to gain government support and foster policies that improve the well-being of caregivers.
Kiddocare is revolutionising the childcare industry by empowering women, providing job opportunities, and enhancing the quality of caregiving services. Through their innovative platform, they are reshaping the narrative around care, recognising its social and economic importance. By integrating care into economic policies, Kiddocare strives to create a brighter future for caregivers and the nation.
For more information on Kiddocare and the inspiring stories of their caregivers, visit their website and social media platforms.