Child care (0-5 years)

Studies examining the effects of early child care experiences on young children’s development investigate diversity in child care quality and differences among individual children and their families. Variations in the quality of child care are reflective of program practices, educators’ training and teacher-child relationships, whereas variations among children and families include socio-economic status, parent education, parent-child relationships, child temperament and choice of care.

Only a few studies have investigated the level of quality available in the United States and Canada, and even fewer studies have attempted to determine the level of quality needed for optimal development. These few studies suggest that the degree of quality needed for optimum development is high — higher than the average child care arrangements currently available in North America.

Evidence suggests that high-quality child care is associated with moderate gains in cognitive, linguistic and social and emotional development for children. Quality care is also associated with increased cooperation and compliance with adults and social interactions among peers. On the other hand, participation in low-quality care, large groups, long hours of care and instability within the care environment may have a negative impact on early child development. Young children participating in this low-quality care are at risk for insecure attachments and heightened behaviour problems.

Additional research demonstrates that:

• mothers’ sensitivity and responsiveness have a greater impact on early childhood social and emotional development than early care experiences;
• children enrolled earlier, before age 3, may experience higher levels of stress (worry) and antisocial behaviours;
• participation in high-quality child care may act as a protective factor for children from disadvantaged homes and increase their chances of academic success.

Family factors influence parents’ decisions on the use and type of care they select for their children. Socio-economically advantaged families tend to choose higher quality care for their children.

See also...

• How important is it?
• What can be done?
• According to experts
• Key messages