Childcare Working Parent
Childcare and the Working Parent
Tammy
SOC 402 Contemporary Social Problems & the Workplace
Instructor: Shannon Sellers
December 16, 2013
Childcare and the Working Parent
Since the 1970’s, one of the most drastic changes in the structure of the American family has been increased employment of mothers outside the home. The need for alternative childcare has become an issue. The need for childcare is an issue that most parents face when one or both parents work outside the home. Finding suitable childcare for your child is one of parenting’s most important and most difficult tasks. All parents want the best for their children and affordable, competent, loving caregivers top the list (Rossetti, 2007a). If …show more content…
parents are not satisfied with their childcare arrangements they may be unable to work effectively (Payne, Cook & Diaz, 2012, page 230, para. 3). We are going to focus on the various types of childcare, subsidies and the deciding factor as parents when choosing a provider.
The Three Types of Childcare
There are various types of care that parents can utilize. The first one is called informal or unlicensed childcare which could include grandparents, other family members, step-children, friends, colleagues and neighbors. This form of childcare is usually but not always unpaid. The next type is called formal childcare. This is a licensed facility or person that specializes in caring for children of various ages. The third type is called “Nanny Care”. Some parents choose to hire a nanny to care for their children. This childcare option is more expensive than any of the rest. You are paying for individual specialized care as well as paying for living expenses and sometimes other perks (Rossetti, 2007b).
Informal Childcare
The number of families who utilize informal childcares varies across demographic groups. Data collected by “The National Center for Children in Poverty”, suggests that the use of this method of childcare is related to the educational level of parents, household income, employment status, work schedule, receipt of public assistance, household composition and ethnicity (Lyons, Robertson & Layzer, 2001a). Research has shown that Hispanic’s utilize this form of child care than any other ethnic group. African American families are more likely to use relative care than white families. White families use regulated and non-regulated care more than any other ethnic group (Lyons, Robertson & Layzer, 2001 b). Among children who use family care, white children are more likely to use regulated homes; while black and Hispanics use non-regulated homes (Lyons, Robertson & Layzer, 2001c). The three areas that are important to a parent are affordability, accessibility and availability which play a vital role in choosing informal childcare.
Availability
Availability is necessary for parents especially when they work non-traditional hours. Working the mid shift or overnight shift can be challenging for parents; wondering how your child is being cared for in your absence. Utilizing family members you know and trust will take a load off your shoulders. This allows a familiar face to bring about a sense of stability in your child’s life when work schedules are variable and unpredictable (Lyons, Robertson & Layzer, 2001d).
Accessibility
Accessibility is another area of importance to parents. Parents typically look for childcare close to home in order to minimize the amount of time a child spends traveling. Transportation may be a problem as well especially in rural areas.
Affordability
The cost of childcare is an integral part of child care decisions made by families. The high costs of childcare have prevented many families from enrolling their child in formal day care.
Formal Childcare Formal childcare is debated among parents, health care providers and educational professionals. Some support childcare, arguing it offers socialization and educational opportunities a child would not receive staying at home with a parent or relative. Others claim those who utilize childcare services are allowing someone else to raise your child (Cerbasi, 2000a).
The pros of formal childcare are as follows (Cerbasi, 2000b)
Children become more confident in their own skills; and become self-reliant
Your child is place in a class with a group of his peers and allowed to interact and solve issues themselves versus mom or dad doing it for them
Many daycares provide some sort of academic exposure. This will better equip him/her for regular school.
The cons of formal child care are (Cerbasi, 2000c);
Exposure to illness
Less quality time with parents
Exposure to poor behavior
I can honestly say that I have experienced the cons as it pertains to exposure to illness, poor behavior and not enough quality time.
The benefits are very rewarding as well. My daughter is a very bright individual. She is at the top of her class. I am not saying this because she is my child but because the director of the facility also says the same; as well as other parents who comment as to how smart she is!
Parents might not have anyone to take care of their child so they choose formal care. They have the same concerns as the parents who chose informal care as it pertains to accessibility, affordability and availability.
Availability
The facility I chose to use was perfect for the traditional schedule I have. I drop my child off at 7am and pick her up at 4:30 pm. Parents who work traditional hours from 9 to 5 would probably find this a perfect fit for them. Childcare facilities are open to accommodate their schedules. …show more content…
Accessibility I chose the facility closest to my house to eliminate the travel time it takes for me to drop my child off and get to work. This is perfect for me because I work 45 minutes away from my house. I also took into consideration that if I was off work sick or took a vacation day, my child will still be able to go to childcare without me having to drive a distance to take her. In case of emergency, I have friends and family that can get to her if needed. Some parents may choose a facility close to their job in order to have their child close to them so they can drop in at any time.
Affordability
This factor plays an important role as to which facility you can utilize and stay within your budget. Parents who are low-income or on welfare have various programs that is available to off-set cost. We will discuss this as we move forward in our discussion.
Nanny Care
This type of care is more advantageous than the other two we discussed. You child is able to eat and sleep in a familiar surroundings. Some parents like this set-up because their child does not have to vie for attention and is not exposed to all sorts of germs. Scheduling is also flexible with a nanny versus daycare or relative care. There are some disadvantages to having a nanny as well. This form of childcare is more expensive. It is also may be hard to find someone you can trust as well as your child can bond with as well (http://www.babycenter.com)
Employer On-Site Childcare Facilities
Employers are beginning to recognize that caring for their employees means caring for their families as well (Cheng, 2005). In order to attract and retain the best talent they have offered benefits that address employee needs. This benefit is called on-site employee child care. These benefits will lead to employee satisfaction as well as less sick or personal days being taken (PRweb USA, 2013). In the private sector, workplace nurseries are most likely to be found at large manufacturing or “white collar” sites such as banks and building society headquarters (Coleman, 2008). Healthcare employers are also more apt to include on-site childcare for their medical staff due to their long irregular work hours.
The corporate world is also allowing employees to work-from-home. There was a time leading up to securing childcare that I had a waiting period. In the meantime I made my employer aware of what I was facing and he allowed me to bring my child to work. I was allowed to work from home when necessary. I am grateful I have an employer that understands and embraces family.I did an internet search in California to see what companies offered on-site childcare. I found four companies that have it; Cisco in San Jose, Genentech in San Francisco, Scripps Health in San Diego and Mattel in El Segundo (http://californiachildren.typepad.com).
Caring for a Sick Child
Although you have formal and informal childcare available to you, there are some things they can’t assist you with when it pertains to your child getting sick at the facility. Their procedure is to call the parent to come pick your child up, especially if they are running a fever. They will have to stay out the following day until he/ she is better and does not have a fever. Childcare providers are not authorized to administer any medication unless specific orders are given by the doctor accompanied by a doctor’s note.
This in turn causes parents to miss work in order to care for their child.
Most companies have sick, vacation and flex time you can use to offset time missed. I can definitely relate to this. My child was 2 ½ months old when I became her guardian. My baby at the time was twenty –four years old and I had not taken care of an infant in quite some time. Over the course of the years especially during infant and toddler stage, I have missed work a lot due to ear infections, colds and rashes just to name a few. My vacation days and sick time was renamed “Baby Time”. The majority of my time was used to take care of my child when she was sick. My husband was available to help but 90% of the time I was the one who had to miss work to care for her. Now she is 3 ½ and my time is beginning to accumulate as before. My husband became more active in filling in for me as she got older. Her immune system is not so susceptible to every little bug that comes thru the childcare facility. Thank
God!
Childcare Subsidies to Offset Cost
In the state of California there are childcare government subsidies available for low-income and welfare families who are going to school or work. Some of the subsidies have time limits and others do not. The subsidies that California has in place are listed below (www.cde.ca.gov/sp/cd/op/cdprograms).
General Childcare and Development – This program is state and federally funded. It provides child development services for ages birth through twelve or older kids with special needs. They also provide meals for the children and parent education and referrals as needed.
Migrant Childcare and Development – This program caters to migrant workers. The centers are open various times of the year depending on the harvest. This offers childcare for migrants as they move from place to place.
California State Preschool Program- This program services three and four year olds in California. It is a part-time or full time as needed. This program also provides meals and snacks for children. It also offers various referral services for parents.
Severally Handicap Program – This program is located in San Francisco Bay Area. They provide services for age birth to 21 years.
Alternative Payment Program – This program is funded by state and federal funds. This allows you to choose your childcare facility. They pay the child care center directly and if there are any additional costs, the parent pays the remainder. The additional costs are very minimal.
Family Medical Leave Act
This can be used if you, your child or any immediate family member has a serious health condition and need care. This is available to you for 12 weeks; 26 weeks to care for military family member. This can only be taken once every 12 months as needed. It is also available to parents (husband and wife) within one year after child-birth and within a year after foster care or adoption of a child (www.ehow.com/info_7980693_eligible-fmla.html). I would recommend that more companies implement on-site child care. If they are unable to, offer some sort of incentive to employees to off-set some of their costs. The federal government offers tax break for adding on-site care and subsidies for workers. There are parents who may not qualify for subsidies any other way. They are right on the borderline of the guidelines which disqualify them from receiving the subsidies as detailed above. They make too much to qualify but not enough to pay full price for childcare.
In closing the need for childcare is an issue that most parents face when one or both parents work outside the home. Finding suitable childcare for your child is one of parenting’s most important and most difficult tasks. All parents want the best for their children and affordable, competent, loving caregivers top the list (Rossetti, 2007b). If parents are not satisfied with their childcare arrangements they may be unable to work effectively (Payne, Cook & Diaz, 2012, page 230, para. 3). So, let’s work together as a people to provide affordable child care for all individuals that need it. There is a saying that I have adopted, “It takes a village to raise a child”, this is so true.
References
PR Web. (2013, June 27). Retrieved from News Bank Access World News: Http://infoweb.newsbank.com.proxy-library.ashford.edu/iw-search/we/InfoWeb?p_action...
Benjamin, T. (n.d.). e-how. Retrieved from E-How Money: http://www.ehow.com/info_7980693_eligible-fmla.html
Cerbasi, J. (2009, June 1). The Pros and Cons of Daycare. Retrieved from Fox News: www.foxnews.com/health/2009/06/01/pros-cons-daycare
Cheng, P. (2005). Kids At Work: THE VALUE OF EMPLOYER-SPONSORED ON-SITE CHILDCARE CENTERS. Berkley Journal of Employment & Labor Law, 213-215. Retrived from: http://ehis.ebscohost.com.proxy-library.ashford.edu/eds/results?sid=f24dd005-fe16-45f4-b273-a2800e123d10%40sessionmgr4004&vid=14&hid=107&bquery=TI+(employer+AND+on-site+AND+childcare)&bdata=JmNsaTA9RlQmY2x2MD1ZJmNsaTE9UlYmY2x2MT1ZJnR5cGU9MCZzaXRlPWVkcy1saXZl
Cook, A. L., Diaz, I., & Payne, S. C. (2011). Understanding childcare satisfaction and its effect on workplace outcome: The convenience factor and the mediating role of work-family conflict. Journal of Occupational and Organizational Psycology, 225-244.
Education, C. D. (n.d.). Child Care and Developement Program. Retrieved from http://www.cde.ca.gov/sp/cd/op/cdprograms.asp
Lyons, M. B., Robertson, A., & Layzer, J. (2001). Kith and Kin - Informal Child Care. New York: unknown.
Rossetti, K. (2007, (2007a)and(2007b), October 7). Child-Care Options for Working Parents. Yahoo Contributor Network, pp. 1-2. unknown. (2012, January). Baby Center. Retrieved from http://www.babycenter.com/0_nanny-care-advantages-and-disadvantages_6044.bc
Unknown. (2013). The Children of America - Working Parents and Child Care. Retrieved from Net Industries and Licensors: The Children of America - Working Parents And Child Care
Tammy
SOC 402 Contemporary Social Problems & the Workplace
Instructor: Shannon Sellers
December 16, 2013
Childcare and the Working Parent
Since the 1970’s, one of the most drastic changes in the structure of the American family has been increased employment of mothers outside the home. The need for alternative childcare has become an issue. The need for childcare is an issue that most parents face when one or both parents work outside the home. Finding suitable childcare for your child is one of parenting’s most important and most difficult tasks. All parents want the best for their children and affordable, competent, loving caregivers top the list (Rossetti, 2007a). If …show more content…
parents are not satisfied with their childcare arrangements they may be unable to work effectively (Payne, Cook & Diaz, 2012, page 230, para. 3). We are going to focus on the various types of childcare, subsidies and the deciding factor as parents when choosing a provider.
The Three Types of Childcare
There are various types of care that parents can utilize. The first one is called informal or unlicensed childcare which could include grandparents, other family members, step-children, friends, colleagues and neighbors. This form of childcare is usually but not always unpaid. The next type is called formal childcare. This is a licensed facility or person that specializes in caring for children of various ages. The third type is called “Nanny Care”. Some parents choose to hire a nanny to care for their children. This childcare option is more expensive than any of the rest. You are paying for individual specialized care as well as paying for living expenses and sometimes other perks (Rossetti, 2007b).
Informal Childcare
The number of families who utilize informal childcares varies across demographic groups. Data collected by “The National Center for Children in Poverty”, suggests that the use of this method of childcare is related to the educational level of parents, household income, employment status, work schedule, receipt of public assistance, household composition and ethnicity (Lyons, Robertson & Layzer, 2001a). Research has shown that Hispanic’s utilize this form of child care than any other ethnic group. African American families are more likely to use relative care than white families. White families use regulated and non-regulated care more than any other ethnic group (Lyons, Robertson & Layzer, 2001 b). Among children who use family care, white children are more likely to use regulated homes; while black and Hispanics use non-regulated homes (Lyons, Robertson & Layzer, 2001c). The three areas that are important to a parent are affordability, accessibility and availability which play a vital role in choosing informal childcare.
Availability
Availability is necessary for parents especially when they work non-traditional hours. Working the mid shift or overnight shift can be challenging for parents; wondering how your child is being cared for in your absence. Utilizing family members you know and trust will take a load off your shoulders. This allows a familiar face to bring about a sense of stability in your child’s life when work schedules are variable and unpredictable (Lyons, Robertson & Layzer, 2001d).
Accessibility
Accessibility is another area of importance to parents. Parents typically look for childcare close to home in order to minimize the amount of time a child spends traveling. Transportation may be a problem as well especially in rural areas.
Affordability
The cost of childcare is an integral part of child care decisions made by families. The high costs of childcare have prevented many families from enrolling their child in formal day care.
Formal Childcare Formal childcare is debated among parents, health care providers and educational professionals. Some support childcare, arguing it offers socialization and educational opportunities a child would not receive staying at home with a parent or relative. Others claim those who utilize childcare services are allowing someone else to raise your child (Cerbasi, 2000a).
The pros of formal childcare are as follows (Cerbasi, 2000b)
Children become more confident in their own skills; and become self-reliant
Your child is place in a class with a group of his peers and allowed to interact and solve issues themselves versus mom or dad doing it for them
Many daycares provide some sort of academic exposure. This will better equip him/her for regular school.
The cons of formal child care are (Cerbasi, 2000c);
Exposure to illness
Less quality time with parents
Exposure to poor behavior
I can honestly say that I have experienced the cons as it pertains to exposure to illness, poor behavior and not enough quality time.
The benefits are very rewarding as well. My daughter is a very bright individual. She is at the top of her class. I am not saying this because she is my child but because the director of the facility also says the same; as well as other parents who comment as to how smart she is!
Parents might not have anyone to take care of their child so they choose formal care. They have the same concerns as the parents who chose informal care as it pertains to accessibility, affordability and availability.
Availability
The facility I chose to use was perfect for the traditional schedule I have. I drop my child off at 7am and pick her up at 4:30 pm. Parents who work traditional hours from 9 to 5 would probably find this a perfect fit for them. Childcare facilities are open to accommodate their schedules. …show more content…
Accessibility I chose the facility closest to my house to eliminate the travel time it takes for me to drop my child off and get to work. This is perfect for me because I work 45 minutes away from my house. I also took into consideration that if I was off work sick or took a vacation day, my child will still be able to go to childcare without me having to drive a distance to take her. In case of emergency, I have friends and family that can get to her if needed. Some parents may choose a facility close to their job in order to have their child close to them so they can drop in at any time.
Affordability
This factor plays an important role as to which facility you can utilize and stay within your budget. Parents who are low-income or on welfare have various programs that is available to off-set cost. We will discuss this as we move forward in our discussion.
Nanny Care
This type of care is more advantageous than the other two we discussed. You child is able to eat and sleep in a familiar surroundings. Some parents like this set-up because their child does not have to vie for attention and is not exposed to all sorts of germs. Scheduling is also flexible with a nanny versus daycare or relative care. There are some disadvantages to having a nanny as well. This form of childcare is more expensive. It is also may be hard to find someone you can trust as well as your child can bond with as well (http://www.babycenter.com)
Employer On-Site Childcare Facilities
Employers are beginning to recognize that caring for their employees means caring for their families as well (Cheng, 2005). In order to attract and retain the best talent they have offered benefits that address employee needs. This benefit is called on-site employee child care. These benefits will lead to employee satisfaction as well as less sick or personal days being taken (PRweb USA, 2013). In the private sector, workplace nurseries are most likely to be found at large manufacturing or “white collar” sites such as banks and building society headquarters (Coleman, 2008). Healthcare employers are also more apt to include on-site childcare for their medical staff due to their long irregular work hours.
The corporate world is also allowing employees to work-from-home. There was a time leading up to securing childcare that I had a waiting period. In the meantime I made my employer aware of what I was facing and he allowed me to bring my child to work. I was allowed to work from home when necessary. I am grateful I have an employer that understands and embraces family.I did an internet search in California to see what companies offered on-site childcare. I found four companies that have it; Cisco in San Jose, Genentech in San Francisco, Scripps Health in San Diego and Mattel in El Segundo (http://californiachildren.typepad.com).
Caring for a Sick Child
Although you have formal and informal childcare available to you, there are some things they can’t assist you with when it pertains to your child getting sick at the facility. Their procedure is to call the parent to come pick your child up, especially if they are running a fever. They will have to stay out the following day until he/ she is better and does not have a fever. Childcare providers are not authorized to administer any medication unless specific orders are given by the doctor accompanied by a doctor’s note.
This in turn causes parents to miss work in order to care for their child.
Most companies have sick, vacation and flex time you can use to offset time missed. I can definitely relate to this. My child was 2 ½ months old when I became her guardian. My baby at the time was twenty –four years old and I had not taken care of an infant in quite some time. Over the course of the years especially during infant and toddler stage, I have missed work a lot due to ear infections, colds and rashes just to name a few. My vacation days and sick time was renamed “Baby Time”. The majority of my time was used to take care of my child when she was sick. My husband was available to help but 90% of the time I was the one who had to miss work to care for her. Now she is 3 ½ and my time is beginning to accumulate as before. My husband became more active in filling in for me as she got older. Her immune system is not so susceptible to every little bug that comes thru the childcare facility. Thank
God!
Childcare Subsidies to Offset Cost
In the state of California there are childcare government subsidies available for low-income and welfare families who are going to school or work. Some of the subsidies have time limits and others do not. The subsidies that California has in place are listed below (www.cde.ca.gov/sp/cd/op/cdprograms).
General Childcare and Development – This program is state and federally funded. It provides child development services for ages birth through twelve or older kids with special needs. They also provide meals for the children and parent education and referrals as needed.
Migrant Childcare and Development – This program caters to migrant workers. The centers are open various times of the year depending on the harvest. This offers childcare for migrants as they move from place to place.
California State Preschool Program- This program services three and four year olds in California. It is a part-time or full time as needed. This program also provides meals and snacks for children. It also offers various referral services for parents.
Severally Handicap Program – This program is located in San Francisco Bay Area. They provide services for age birth to 21 years.
Alternative Payment Program – This program is funded by state and federal funds. This allows you to choose your childcare facility. They pay the child care center directly and if there are any additional costs, the parent pays the remainder. The additional costs are very minimal.
Family Medical Leave Act
This can be used if you, your child or any immediate family member has a serious health condition and need care. This is available to you for 12 weeks; 26 weeks to care for military family member. This can only be taken once every 12 months as needed. It is also available to parents (husband and wife) within one year after child-birth and within a year after foster care or adoption of a child (www.ehow.com/info_7980693_eligible-fmla.html). I would recommend that more companies implement on-site child care. If they are unable to, offer some sort of incentive to employees to off-set some of their costs. The federal government offers tax break for adding on-site care and subsidies for workers. There are parents who may not qualify for subsidies any other way. They are right on the borderline of the guidelines which disqualify them from receiving the subsidies as detailed above. They make too much to qualify but not enough to pay full price for childcare.
In closing the need for childcare is an issue that most parents face when one or both parents work outside the home. Finding suitable childcare for your child is one of parenting’s most important and most difficult tasks. All parents want the best for their children and affordable, competent, loving caregivers top the list (Rossetti, 2007b). If parents are not satisfied with their childcare arrangements they may be unable to work effectively (Payne, Cook & Diaz, 2012, page 230, para. 3). So, let’s work together as a people to provide affordable child care for all individuals that need it. There is a saying that I have adopted, “It takes a village to raise a child”, this is so true.
References
PR Web. (2013, June 27). Retrieved from News Bank Access World News: Http://infoweb.newsbank.com.proxy-library.ashford.edu/iw-search/we/InfoWeb?p_action...
Benjamin, T. (n.d.). e-how. Retrieved from E-How Money: http://www.ehow.com/info_7980693_eligible-fmla.html
Cerbasi, J. (2009, June 1). The Pros and Cons of Daycare. Retrieved from Fox News: www.foxnews.com/health/2009/06/01/pros-cons-daycare
Cheng, P. (2005). Kids At Work: THE VALUE OF EMPLOYER-SPONSORED ON-SITE CHILDCARE CENTERS. Berkley Journal of Employment & Labor Law, 213-215. Retrived from: http://ehis.ebscohost.com.proxy-library.ashford.edu/eds/results?sid=f24dd005-fe16-45f4-b273-a2800e123d10%40sessionmgr4004&vid=14&hid=107&bquery=TI+(employer+AND+on-site+AND+childcare)&bdata=JmNsaTA9RlQmY2x2MD1ZJmNsaTE9UlYmY2x2MT1ZJnR5cGU9MCZzaXRlPWVkcy1saXZl
Cook, A. L., Diaz, I., & Payne, S. C. (2011). Understanding childcare satisfaction and its effect on workplace outcome: The convenience factor and the mediating role of work-family conflict. Journal of Occupational and Organizational Psycology, 225-244.
Education, C. D. (n.d.). Child Care and Developement Program. Retrieved from http://www.cde.ca.gov/sp/cd/op/cdprograms.asp
Lyons, M. B., Robertson, A., & Layzer, J. (2001). Kith and Kin - Informal Child Care. New York: unknown.
Rossetti, K. (2007, (2007a)and(2007b), October 7). Child-Care Options for Working Parents. Yahoo Contributor Network, pp. 1-2. unknown. (2012, January). Baby Center. Retrieved from http://www.babycenter.com/0_nanny-care-advantages-and-disadvantages_6044.bc
Unknown. (2013). The Children of America - Working Parents and Child Care. Retrieved from Net Industries and Licensors: The Children of America - Working Parents And Child Care