Working parent perceptions of work-related problems and preferences associated with child care arrangements

This descriptive study was conducted to assess the perceptions of working parents regarding problems and preferences with child care. The study used a four-part questionnaire which included elements about work attendance, problems with current child care arrangements, child care preferences, and demographic variables. Written questionnaires were distributed to 171 employees within one service and entertainment based organization in east Tennessee. Subjects were 84 respondents, including both mothers and fathers. Data were analyzed and research questions tested using frequencies and percentages. A chi-square test was conducted to test differences for the independent variables of family structure and caregiver. The results showed that the group of employees who used a non-familial child care provider found that missing work and leaving work early were more problematic than for those who used familial care. No differences were found between an employee\u27s family structure and problems with current child care arrangements. When differences were tested between caregiver type and problems with current arrangements, the group which used non-familial care reported having significantly more problems with availability, hours, and cost of care than did employees that used a family caregiver. Overall, on-site child care with extended hours was selected most often as the child care option that would be of greatest benefit to employees. No significant differences were found between the preference of on-site, extended-hour care and family structure. The group using non-familial care reported a stronger preference for on-site care with extended hours than did parents utilizing familial care