Today's Times refers to an interesting study from the Census bureau about childcare arrangements. The Times article was rotten, go straight to the study.
I'm still working through the report, but there are some interesting findings buried in there.
First, it seems that parents are not relying on one kind of care for their children, while they are at work. They utilize a piece-meal approach. They use a little daycare, a little help from relatives, and sometimes the kids are left alone.
Second, the study itself wasn't that great. For example, they asked parents whether or not their kids spent any time in self-care. Self-care means being left alone at home. But they didn't break down the age of the kids well enough. They lumped 5-14 year olds together. Leaving a 14-year old at home for an afternoon isn't a big deal. A five-year at home for an afternoon is another story. I also wonder how honestly parents reported this information.
Third, it's clear that extended family, as well as older brothers and sisters, are providing a lot of free care of children in this country.
Fourth, I wish they was some data here on whether the child had special needs or not. Childcare is MUCH more complicated and more expensive when the child needs specialized help. I have my own horror stories.