| dc.description.abstract | The search for child care can be a daunting task for parents of young children, with a variety of choices available. To search during, or shortly after, a move to a new community without an established network of support can be a frustrating experience. The stress and confusion of locating quality services that are adequate to the family’s needs and unique circumstances are high. Research shows that quality child care environments are linked to higher early language and cognitive and social development in young children. With an increasing number of parents working outside of the home, child care has become more necessary, even as school systems and preschool environments are becoming increasingly more diverse.
This study used a qualitative approach and in a town in southeastern Texas that attracts international faculty, staff, and students. A growing percentage of the students arrive as married spouses with young children in search of child care services while they teach, attend school, or conduct research. This research study examined the unique experiences that these parents face when arriving in the United States and searching for child care for their young charge(s) and how these experiences affected how they viewed the American child care system after, or as a result of, that search. The study compared specific mechanisms and experiences throughout the search process and subsequent location of child care services, as well as child care in their home countries. The intent was to understand how international families become familiar with available services, how they navigate the system, and their experiences as their child(ren) attend a program or programs in the community. This study examined whether cultural factors affected any aspect of their search, location, and experiences throughout the process.
The study included 10 mothers, whose experiences varied. It was concluded that, while most found the search process to be challenging and difficult, all located a suitable child care environment for their children. Suggestions for child care programs were presented. | en |
