The Importance of Early Childhood Care
Children’s earliest years are a critical period when the foundation is built for lifelong physical health and emotional well-being. Research shows that consistent, responsive caregiving is conducive to healthy development during these early years. By providing parents and caregivers with the necessary tools and support, we can empower them to make informed decisions about the care and well-being of their children.
Understanding Family, Friends, and Neighbor (FFN) Care
Family, friends, and neighbor (FFN) care is the most common childcare choice for families with infants and toddlers. This type of care is often chosen for its affordability and flexibility. FFN care can provide a sense of comfort and familiarity for families, as it is often provided by relatives or close family friends.
- FFN care can be challenging for families to access due to factors such as lack of availability, inconsistent schedules, and high costs
- FFN care may not provide the same level of structure and routine as center-based care
- FFN care can be affected by the provider’s personal life, such as changes in work schedules or personal emergencies
Parents’ Experiences with Childcare
We asked parents of infants and toddlers questions about their childcare experiences and preferences. The survey revealed that parents are more likely to choose FFN care due to its affordability and flexibility. However, many parents also mentioned challenges with FFN care, including inconsistent schedules, lack of availability, and high costs.
- Parents of infants and toddlers use childcare for an average of 5 hours per week, with FFN care making up the largest share of providers
- Parents are willing to pay a premium for childcare, with 68% of parents using childcare for 5 hours or more per week
Challenges with Childcare Access
Parents of infants and toddlers often face challenges in accessing reliable childcare. Factors such as affordability, hours, location, and trust in the provider can make it difficult for families to find childcare that meets their needs.
“Sometimes it is difficult to find relatives/friends who I trust and are available as sometimes their plans change.” – Parent in Wisconsin
“I’m relying on family and things arise that make them unable to help. I have looked into center-based care and considered going back to work, but it will cost me more for childcare than I can make in income to pay for it.” – Parent in Ohio
“I use babysitters, mostly teenagers, so their schedules are sometimes unreliable. They do their best, but they have other commitments, too. They also can’t always work during the day, which is when I need them.” – Parent in Texas
Trust and Comfortability with Providers
Trust and comfortability with their provider is the most important factor for parents when selecting childcare for their infants and toddlers. Parents are significantly more likely to endorse trust and/or comfortability with their provider than any other factor, including affordability, availability, location, or the hours the provider is available.
- Parents are more likely to choose providers who have experience and qualifications to care for infants and toddlers
- Parents are more likely to choose providers who have a good reputation and are well-qualified to care for their children
The RAPID Survey Project aims to provide parents and caregivers with the necessary tools and support to make informed decisions about childcare. By understanding families’ childcare needs and concerns, we can inform policies and programs that support families in meeting this critical need.
In conclusion, the RAPID Survey Project provides valuable insights into the needs and concerns of families with infants and toddlers. By understanding the types of childcare that families with infants and toddlers use and what is most important to parents when selecting child care, we can work towards creating policies and programs that support families in providing the healthy, responsive caregiving that is essential to their young children’s development.
