Chapter 2 Determining the Need for Child Care
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Neighborhoods vary according to the
average age and income of the residents. The
typical cost of houses in a particular area can
give you a clue about the incomes of the resi-
dents. Some neighborhoods attract dual-career
families. Some areas are popular choices for
commuters who travel daily to jobs in nearby
cities. Other areas may be the choice of low- to
moderate-income families. Economical housing
costs can be very attractive to young families
with children. These will be the housing areas
on which to focus. You may be able to find out
which schools are full and which ones have
lower enrollments. This can give you a clue
about the location of popular neighborhoods.
Locations of Existing Child Care
Programs
As you collect information to help you plan
for your center, it is useful to identify where
other child care facilities are located. You may
be able to find out what types of care are offered
and whether or not the program has a waiting
list. Check the yellow pages of the phone book for licensed facilities in your area.
Economic Factors
Child care is an expensive service to provide. Take into consideration the impact
of economic factors on the ability of families to afford the cost of care.
Economy of the Area
Consider the overall economic conditions of your general location. Some areas
are booming, while others are not. Some areas are characterized by high unemploy-
ment, low incomes, and depressed job opportunities. Other communities are growth
areas with increasing demands for workers, the
development of new shopping facilities, and a
healthy housing market. It is useful to know if
this is an area where new workers are likely to
relocate. If it is a community that young families
are leaving because there are no opportunities for
them, you may want to consider whether there
will be a market for a child care facility. The
chamber of commerce can be helpful in providing
you with information about the economy of the
area.
2-2 Identifying possible sites for a new center
requires careful analysis of the area you want to
serve. You may find a need for child care near a
new apartment complex where young families
with children will be living.
Director’s Dilemma
The director of a local center has told
you there is no need for another
center in town. She has not been
willing to offer you any information
or help. What can you find out about
her center? What other sources of
information can you use to find out
about the need for additional child
care facilities?