Understanding the Preference for Family-Based Child Care Networks: Insights for Instructional Designers

A recent survey has illuminated a growing trend among parents: the preference for family and friend-based child care solutions. This preference underscores the essential role of trust in deciding suitable child care arrangements. However, the current policy framework seems inadequate in supporting these informal networks effectively.

Dr. Philip Fisher, the director of the Stanford Center on Early Childhood, articulates the significant demand for infant and toddler care, pointing out that this need is often overshadowed by the focus on preschool educational initiatives. According to Fisher, “The historical sidelining of early child care from preschool programs has positioned it lower in educational priorities. Yet, from a familial and economic perspective, ensuring child care accessibility is vital.”

The RAPID Survey Project from Stanford highlights that trust, affordability, availability, location, and hours are paramount in parents’ decision-making processes for child care. The survey demonstrates that almost 40% of participants rely on friends, family, and neighbors (FFN), emphasizing trust and convenience over formal child care centers.

Philip Fisher observes that “knowledge of child development, while important, takes a backseat to trust and convenience. Policies must be broadened to encompass diverse child care options by attentively responding to parental needs.”

Natalie Renew, leading Home Grown, a national initiative advocating for inclusive home-based child care systems, expresses concern over the legislative tendencies that prioritize licensed centers. She notes that “smaller home-based centers and the FFN networks are often mere afterthoughts in policy discussions, despite their prevalent use by families.”

The turbulence in the early childhood education sector is further exacerbated by inadequate investment in FFN networks, a situation spotlighted during the COVID-19 pandemic. The sector faces additional challenges such as low pay for educators, perceived instability, and especially stark shortages in rural regions.

Fisher highlights the urgent need for intervention, “The market’s instability persists as a substantial challenge, only made worse by the lack of widespread policy intervention.”

Despite some state-level initiatives, like those in Oregon and Washington, D.C., offering increased support for early child care, complexities remain. Renew cautions against unregulated deregulation, for fear it might improperly encompass informal caregiving networks.

Both experts agree that more structured support for FFN networks is imperative. Initiatives that have shown promise locally need to be expanded nationally to effectively balance the supply and demand of child care services. This approach could ensure holistic coverage and support across the spectrum of child care needs.

For a comprehensive look at the survey and more in-depth analysis, read the full article on EdSurge: Majority of Parents Rely on Friends and Family for Child Care, Report Finds.