ED323032 PS019046

Title: Who Cares? Child Care Teachers and the Quality of Care in America. Executive Summary, National Child Care Staffing Study.
Author(s): Whitebook, Marcy; And Others
Author Affiliation: Child Care Employee Project, Berkeley, CA.(BBB21939)
Pages: 25
Publication Date: 1989
Notes: For the final report, see PS 019 045.
Sponsoring Agency: Foundation for Child Development, New York, NY. (BBB00201)@Ford Foundation, New York, NY. (QPX27000)
Available from: EDRS Price MF01 Plus Postage. PC Not Available from EDRS.
Availability: Child Care Employee Project, 6536 Telegraph Avenue, A201, Oakland, CA 94609 ($10.00).
Language: English
Document Type: Reports--Research (143)
Geographic Source: U.S.; California
Journal Announcement: RIEJAN1991

This national study explored the effects of teachers and their working conditions on the caliber of center-based child care in the United States. Study goals were to: (1) compare center-based child care services in 1988 with those of 1977; (2) examine relations among child care staff characteristics, adult work environments, and quality of child care; and (3) investigate differences in child care quality, child care staff, and adult work environments in centers that varied with respect to standards, accreditation status, auspices, and families served. Participants were 227 centers in five metropolitan areas: Atlanta (Georgia), Boston (Massachusetts), Detroit (Michigan), Phoenix (Arizona), and Seattle (Washington). Classroom observations and interviews with center directors and staff provided data on center characteristics, program quality, and staff qualifications, commitment, and compensation. In addition, child assessments were conducted in Atlanta in an effort to examine effects of varying program and staff attributes on children. Results are reported and recommendations offered. It is concluded that the study raises serious concerns about the quality of services many American children receive. Findings also indicate how services can be improved if the necessary resources are devoted to accomplishing this. (RH)

Descriptors: Comparative Analysis; *Day Care Centers; Early Childhood Education; *Educational Quality; Family Characteristics; Interviews; National Surveys;
Observation; Outcomes of Education; *Teacher Characteristics; Urban Areas; *Wages; *Work Environment
Identifiers: Arizona (Phoenix); Georgia (Atlanta); Massachusetts (Boston); Michigan (Detroit); Washington (Seattle)