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Loeb, S., Fuller, B., Kagan, S.L., & Carrol, B. (2004). Child care in poor communities: Early learning effects type, quality, and stability. Child Development, 75(1), 47-66.
This study examined both center-based and family-based child care in poor communities. Findings showed positive cognitive effects for children in center care and more behavioral problems in children in family child care homes.
The Study
- Studies have found that quality of child care in poor communities can vary greatly.
- Children in this study entered care due to their mothers’ participation in welfare-to- work programs.
The Methods
- This analysis was based on a five-year study that followed low-income mothers who entered welfare-to-work programs under Temporary Assistance to Needy Families, in 1998 and their children.
- Data were gleaned from maternal interviews, child assessments, and child care observations of 451 families in San Francisco, San Jose, CA, and Tampa, FL. Data collection occurred in 1998 when the child was two and one half years old and again in 2000 when the child was four.
- Demographic data showed that 41% of the sample was African American, 32% were Latina, and 24% were white.
The Findings
- Analysis showed that there was a strong and positive relationship between child cognitive developmental and participation in center-based care. This relationship was strongest for children in center care at both data collection points.
- Children displayed more social problems if they were in the care of someone who had not graduated from high school.
- Also children in family child care tended to have higher levels of aggression.
- Researchers were unsure as to why children in family child care exhibited more behavioral problems but were able to rule out selection bias on the part of the mothers.
R2P Evaluation
The authors explored differences in the development of children in poor communities in center-based or family child care. However, their research was limited in its ability to explain some of the variances. Replication of this study in other areas of the country should be conducted, as well as, additional follow up with the original sample to determine cognitive abilities now that the children are school-aged.
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