Single Parents and Day Care

Abstract

This study assessed the day care needs, attitudes, and practices of 252 single parents with dependent children. The sample was diverse in terms of age, income, educational level, and number and ages of dependent children. The study suggests that single parents need: adequate day care services that are affordable and convenient to either their home or work; more information and education about child care, especially the criteria important in the selection of quality care; a greater variety of day care options, e.g., part time care, drop-in care and transportation assistance; and insight into the relationship between staff training and quality child care.