Date: 9/29/06

Contacts: Sharon Crout, scrout@clemson.edu or 864-688-2251 or

Kerry Coffey, kcoffey@clemson.edu or 864-656-0312

Research reveals child care patterns

Clemson - A report released by Clemson University’s Institute on Family and Neighborhood Life gives a clear picture of where “at risk” children in South Carolina are receiving preschool care.

The report, prepared for Child Care Services, S.C. Department of Social Services, is based on data from a survey of 1211 state households and includes information on 668 children ages birth through five.

“This is the first data of its kind for South Carolina,” said Janet Marsh, researcher and author of the report. “We now know where children are – whether in formal child care settings, informal settings such as care by family members or friends, or parent care. We are particularly interested in the utilization patterns of low-income children because this group is least ready for school and most likely to eventually drop out.”

Children at risk are identified based on family income and the educational level of the mother.

The series of reports also analyzes by high and low risk counties based on six measures of child well-being that are closely related to school readiness from SC Kids Count 2005.

Findings include information on the type of primary child care used as related to mothers’ education, race, marital status, employment, household income, and other factors.

“This is important information to have because the majority of brain development occurs by the age of five,” said Marsh. “The early child care environment influences school readiness and ultimately school performance. If we ensure child care environments meet high quality standards, children can be better prepared to acquire the education and skills necessary to become productive, contributing employees. That translates into eventual impact on communities and the state’s economy.”

The reports give a clear picture to policy makers and education and business leaders about the care of the state’s youngest citizens. It can serve as a valuable tool in setting direction and creating programs and initiatives to serve the needs of children and families.

The series of reports on children, birth – five is available on the Institute website at www.clemson.edu/ifnl. Look for Areas of Interest/Child Care on the homepage. Findings on children, birth – 12 and 6-12 are also available on the website, according to Marsh.

Throughout her career, Professor Marsh’s major interest has been improving policies and programs that affect low income families. Currently, she is conducting research and working with South Carolina communities in the areas of child care and food and nutrition programs.

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