This report details a qualitative study undertaken to add to the knowledge base about care provided by relatives, friends, and neighbors. Focus group discussions were organized with African American, Puerto Rican, and Dominican women who care for other people’s children in three low-income communities in New York City. There were a total of 45 participants in the formal focus group discussion–21 participants in the English groups and 24 in the Spanish. The report discusses findings from the focus group discussions in the areas of: (1) relationship of the caregiver to the parent; (2) number and ages of children in care; (3) origin of the child care arrangements; (4) motivations for providing care; (5) child care schedules; (6) remuneration; (7) quality of care; and (8) caregivers’ interests. The report also discusses safety and quality issues, offers a view of child care in the community as a continuum, and suggests implications for public policy and for programs. In conclusion, the report notes that by knitting family, friends, and neighbors together in the shared care of children, child care is a fundamental part of the social, economic, and cultural fabric of low-income communities. The report’s four appendices present: (1) project description; (2) organizing the focus groups; (3) analysis of findings: subcategories; and (4) child care continuum. (LPP) Reproductions supplied by EDRS are the best that can be made from the original document.
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION Office of Educahonal Research and Improvement EDUCATIONAL RESOURCES INFORMATION CENTER (ERIC) Afhis document has been reproduced as received from the person or organization originating it. 0 Minor changes have been made to improve reproduction quality. Points of view or opinions stated in this document do not necessarily represent official OERI position or policy. Neighborhood Child Care: Family, Friends, and Neighbors Talk About Caring for Other People’s Children r PERMISSION TO REPRODUCE AND DISSEMINATE THIS MATERIAL HAS BEEN GRANTED BY ltct Po.x-ker 1 TO THE EDUCATIONAL RESOURCES INFORMATION CENTER (ERIC
