Child care choices are determined primarily by availability, then by preference. Brittany, for example, made several switches before she was able to get her preferred option, due to availability of both providers and money. Some others, like Harriet, were only willing to have family members watch her son Horace, and she was able to make that happen. Some of the mothers focused on learning activities, others on the health and well-being of aging family members, work schedules of everyone involved, and some (like Brittany) had to find a trustworthy situation before worrying about anything else.
Concerns about development weren’t specifically about cognitive development, although there were concerns voiced regarding interaction between children and caregivers. Mothers were concerned if the caregiver didn’t do much with their child. Brittany had issues with two caregivers—one with payment for time missed, and another for trusting that she was watching her daughter when she said she was. She cited that she analyzes the provider to make sure their attitude is consistent with enjoying their job and focusing on the care of her daughter with patience. Lisa found that her mother was reliable but becoming physically unable to keep up with an active toddler. For many, kin took on child care while the kids were infants and then transferred to family childcare or a childcare center if they could afford it.
Considering that licensing isn’t required across the board and infrequent checks are made in some states requiring licenses, it compounds the problems that already exist in daycare settings. These mothers are already stretched to the limit in terms of time and finances, and frequently don’t have access to or know of resources that could help them choose the best options. This exacerbates the stress that mothers feel when choosing childcare. At times it may even steer them away from choosing a childcare center over another option.
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