School, Family, and Work: Factors Associated with Child Care Providers' Persistence in College Course Work

Abstract

There is a relationship between child care providers' educational level and child care program quality. Hence, many quality enhancement initiatives include support for child care providers to take college courses. In order for these programs to be successful, factors that may promote college persistence must be examined. This study examined school, family, and work factors as they affect college persistence for a sample of child care providers enrolled in community college course work. One hundred and twenty-nine child care providers completed surveys measuring college integration as well as general support from work and family members. Results suggest that college integration and family support are associated with both commitment to earning a degree and re-enrollment in courses.