Chapter 2 Determining the Need for Child Care
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How Do I Obtain the
Information I Need?
Determining information about the area in
which you want to locate your program will
require some detective work on your part. There
are several ways in which you can obtain this
data. These include
• doing background research on the area
• using questionnaires
• holding public meetings
You must decide what methods you will use
to obtain useful information about family needs
and preferences.
Background Research
You might begin your study by doing some
background research. For example, identify the
agencies or businesses within your community
that are responsive to patterns and trends
within your region. The local newspaper,
Internet sources, school district personnel, the
community planning agency, the regional Cooperative Extension office, and the local
Chamber of Commerce all have an interest in the characteristics of the community
and its families. Analyze the data from the most recent government census. It shows
patterns of growth and decline in various geographic areas. The census also provides
information on family size and economic data. Local health officials may be able to
give you insights into the characteristics of their clients. Clergy can offer information
about their denomination’s membership. Neighborhood store owners also often have
insights into the needs of families in their area. While it takes time and effort on your
part to set up interviews, you can gain useful information by talking with others
whose success also depends on knowing the community.
Directors of other child care services may also be willing to talk with you. Many
good programs have waiting lists with names of children for whom there is no room.
Caring directors find it frustrating to know that there are children needing care who
cannot be placed in their program. Some directors would not feel threatened by the
possible opening of a new center. They may be more than happy to help you get
started. If there are several centers in a community and there is no waiting list, you
may want to carefully consider whether your program will be able to attract enough
children to be successful.
Getting to know other directors and maintaining friendly communication with
them is a form of networking. A network or lines of communication with people who
have similar interests, jobs, or goals can provide information and support. Network
Deciding Whether to Offer Special
Services
If you are considering offering services
other than basic child care, consider the
following questions:
• How many families have indicated that
they would use the services if it were
available?
• Do other competing centers offer this
service?
• How complicated would this service be
for you to provide?
• What will it cost the center to offer the
service?
• How much will have to be charged to
participating families to cover the cost
of the service?
• Can the service be offered in a way that
is helpful to families, or will it add
more stress?
2-4 Before making a commitment to offer a
special service, you should ask yourself these
questions.