Michigan Childcare Policy Research Partnership Project

Abstract

Michigan State University is conducting a research study to answer policy-related questions about childcare, particularly for limited income and high-risk children. Data are currently being collected from several samples of parents with 4- to 18-month-old infants served by a variety of licensed and unlicensed childcare types, including childcare centers, family childcare providers, in-home caregivers, and relative care. Interviews focus on: (1) parents' perceptions of quality and satisfaction with care, (2) the complexity of each family's childcare arrangement(s) and its association with provider and family characteristics, (3) information about family and work structure, and (4) parent and child well-being. It is predicted that childcare policy regarding these four areas will be found unsatisfactory in parents' opinions. Findings from this research will then be disseminated to Michigan Partners including policymakers, the Family Independent Agency, childcare advocacy groups, practitioners, citizens, scholarly audiences, and providers in order to make appropriate improvements.