Study on child care finds lack of training

By Rebecca Cook

Associated Press

SEATTLE — Nearly one-third of paid child care workers are relatives who often lack formal training and government oversight, according to a national study released today that says the child care workforce is larger than previously estimated.

About 2.3 million people earn their money by caring for preschoolers, the study commissioned by the Department of Health and Human Services found.

Researchers at the University of Washington and the Center for the Child Care Workforce used a survey of 7,000 households and focused on people who care for children up to 5 years old.

"This is a very critical development phase. They soak up learning like sponges," said University of Washington Senior Research Fellow Richard Brandon, co-author of the study. "We need people appropriately trained to teach them."

The U.S. Census Bureau has previously estimated the size of the child care workforce at 1.7 million. This study is the first to include paid grandparents and other relatives who care for many of the nation’s children.

Economist Jared Bernstein, former deputy chief economist at the Department of Labor, said the study provides an important update on child care at a time when more parents are working, and with longer work hours.

"Over the past decade, the demand for child care has increased. The study has an urgency now that it didn’t have 10 years ago," said Bernstein, who reviewed the study before publication. "Who’s minding the kids is crucial."

Child care is one of the fastest growing occupations, according to the U.S. Labor Department.

Relative caregivers usually aren’t licensed by states and often lack formal training in child development. About one-third of day care center teachers have graduated from college, compared to 17 percent of family child care providers, according to the study.

Brandon said the study illuminates the need for more training and support, especially for informal and unlicensed caregivers. A 2001 University of Washington study found that 65 percent of people who care for the children of family, friends and neighbors said they would welcome outside help such as newsletters, home safety kits, specialized training or a child care hotline.

"You want to find the isolated, clueless caregivers and give them help," Brandon said.

Advocates for child care workers said they hope the study will make politicians and the public appreciate the number and importance of child care workers.

"It’s a very hidden group of people," said Faith Wohl, president of the New York-based Child Care Action Campaign. "They do have a large impact on our future."

The study says nearly half of workers care for toddlers age 18 months to 3 years; 22 percent care for kids aged 3-5 and 29 percent care for infants. That means education and outreach for child care workers should focus on the fertile minds of toddlers, Brandon said.

"If you want kids to learn and succeed at school, waiting until they’re six is far too late," Brandon said.

Center for the Child Care Workforce: www.ccw.org

University of Washington, Human Services Policy Center: www.hspc.org