Research Theme: Families

Child Care and Parental Employment in Fragile Families

This project adds a child care module to the Fragile Families and Child Wellbeing study.
Using a sample of 2,176 children from 18 cities across the country, we included child care observations and interviews with providers and parents when the children are 33 months of age. We also assessed child cognitive, social and emotional development, as well as parental practices and behaviors during home visits at 30- and 60-months. At this time, we are contacting teachers across all 18 cities to obtain information regarding the children's kindergarten experiences. Our specific aims are to: (1) describe parental employment and child care patterns in a diverse sample of low-income families; (2) assess the relative influences of employment, child care, and family context on child well-being; (3) augment these models by examining possible moderating child and family factors; and (4) see whether changes in employment, child care, and family context predict changes in children's cognitive, social, and emotional well-being.

Funding Source: National Institute of Child Health and Human Development

Contact: Anna Johnson
Principle Investigators:
Columbia University: Jeanne Brooks-Gunn, Ph.D.
Princeton University: Sara McLanahan, Ph.D.
Georgetown University: Deborah Phillips, Ph.D.
Project URL at Princeton : http://www.fragilefamilies.princeton.edu/about.asp

Other Current Families Projects

Completed Families Projects