Provider Perspectives on Child Care in the United States

Abstract

This article reports findings from a study of licensed center-based and home-based child care providers in New York State (n = 55), focusing on providers’ perceptions about their profession. They expressed a universal concern that the profession of early education and care needs to be better respected and that they, as providers, are committed to the children and families they serve. Providers all wanted greater financial compensation and sought recognition that their work is hard and requires skill and training. Lastly, they drew connections between the lack of respect they experience and what they percieve as policies being created and implemented without an understanding of their day to day realities.

Keywords

• child care policy
• family care
• focus group research
• early child care and education