Family characteristics and child care arrangements

Abstract

Child care has become increasingly problematic for many families as more women have entered the work force, both in single earner and dual earner families. This study expands on previous studies of child care arrangements by determining the demographic variables that predict child care arrangements. The data used in this study are part of the United States Bureau of the Census Survey of Income and Program Participation (SIPP). The sample consists of 1,413 preschool children. Results show that significant predictors of location of child care are age of child, family income, race of respondent and family type. Significant predictors of provider of child care are age of child, family income, and family type. Significant predictors of number of child care arrangements are age of child and race of respondent. In home care versus non-home care by nonrelatives, age of child and race of respondent are significant predictors.