Chapter 1 Quality Child Care: Today’s Growing Need
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Census statistics and school enrollments por-
tray a reasonably accurate representation of the
number of young people at each age level. These
statistics indicate how many people are growing
up, going to school, pursuing advanced education,
or dropping out each year. There is concern that
the coming shortage of skilled workers in many
fields will harm the vitality of the U.S. economy.
In past years, most mothers of young children
stayed at home to provide child care. Employers
recognize these young mothers are a valuable
labor source. However, without adequate child
care, many mothers are unable or unwilling to
return to work. Lack of quality child care pro-
grams and trained people to staff them are signifi-
cant barriers. As employers begin to consider ways
to bring mothers back into the workforce, child
care has been identified as a major draw. Many
employers are taking an active role in trying to make more child care available.
Community organizations, such as chambers of commerce, service clubs, health care
providers, and institutions of higher education, are examining the need for child care.
Changing Opportunities for Women
Historically, most women in the United States stayed home to care for their chil-
dren. Many worked in traditionally female careers, such as nursing, teaching, or cler-
ical work. There were few other choices available.
Today, women are employed in virtually every career field. The women’s move-
ment of the 70s, federal antidiscrimination legislation, and the need for women in the
workforce brought about this change. Now there are expanded opportunities for jobs
in fields that had been closed to women in the past. As women have found challenging
and financially rewarding opportunities open to them, their interest in pursuing
careers has increased.
More women are continuing their education beyond the secondary level. A woman
who has spent time and money on education in preparation for a challenging career is
less willing to give that up for full-time motherhood. If a woman takes time off to care
for a young child, she may find there is no job when she is ready to go back. If she has
goals for advancement, the opportunities can be lost by taking time out for child
rearing. Women with high career aspirations desire quality child care, 1-2.
For today’s women, interesting career directions have not come without a cost.
Many in America still hold to the idea that women should be home with their children.
They see women’s careers as undesirable and unnecessary. There has been a reluctance
to acknowledge the changing nature of families and work. This opposition to the
added responsibilities of women has been partly responsible for the lack of organized
effort on behalf of comprehensive child care.
For women with little education, job opportunities, even at a menial level, can be
nonexistent. Since single mothers who cannot get jobs often receive public assistance,
job training programs have been initiated. One goal of these programs is to help
Director’s Dilemma
You are deciding whether you want
to open a new child care center.
Everyone tells you there is a need for
more services to families and children.
Do you think they are right? Consider
your family, the families of friends,
and families in your neighborhood.
Do you know any single-parent
families with young children? Are
you acquainted with young couples
who both have careers? What kinds
of child care arrangements are young
families making in your neighborhood?