A comparative analysis of the self-esteem of children reared by parents in their own homes during the formative years and children placed in day care during the formative years, 1994

This study examines two child rearing practices in America and their impact on the self esteem of children during the formative years. It attempts to determine if there is a significant difference in the self esteem of children reared by parents in their own homes during the formative years and children placed in day care during the formative years. A comparative design was used in the planning of the study. The experimental group (those who had been in day care) and a control group (those children who had not been in day care) were used in the study. A survey was administered to elementary age children, to determine if there was a difference in the level of self esteem in the two groups. Although the major finding in this study conclude that there is no significant difference in the self esteem of children in the experimental group and the control group, the study provided implications for social workers. The data collected during the study revealed that more and more children are placed in day care settings everyday, due to economic conditions and parental choice. As current economic and work choice trends continue, more children will be in the care of someone other than their parents or extended family members. In many instances, the day care giver does not receive adequate training in child development and/or child care. The training and knowledge social workers receive in the area of child/human development would benefit the child, parents and care givers if the social worker's role of educator was utilized in day care planning, policy, goals and basic child care. The call is to social workers to intervene during the formative years