New Jersey's Family Child Care Providers
New Jersey’s Family Child Care Providers Summary of 2011 Survey Results Comparison of 2005 and 2011 Data
New Jersey Association of Child Care Resource and Referral Agencies P.O. Box 55816, Trenton, New Jersey 08638-6816 www.njaccrra.org [email protected]
Introduction In 2005, the New Jersey Association of Child Care Resource and Referral Agencies (NJACCRRA) undertook a study to examine the state of family child care in New Jersey. The study was commissioned with recognition that family child care providers were the most underrepresented segment of caregivers in the state and was funded, in part, by the Child Welfare League of America and The Schumann Fund for New Jersey. The overall 2005 study included a major statewide survey of registered family child care providers. Data was collected with an interest in documenting a system of care that historically has been informal and explored the characteristics of individual providers, their interactions with children, and the environment in which they provide care. Information was intended to expand the foundation for advocacy on behalf of family child care providers, develop a resource that would help shape legislation regulating family child care, and provide direction for defining the role of family child care homes in New Jersey’s overall early care and education plan. The data measured trends and helped identify strengths and challenges that shaped the overall role family child care played in New Jersey's system of care. The report was distributed to county Human Services Advisory Councils for local planning efforts, used as a tool to advocate for fingerprinting as a method of screening providers, and served as a basis for including family child care providers in New Jersey's Strengthening Families Initiative. Over the past six years, economic challenges and changes in the utilization and needs of the families who depend on family child care have continued to shape New Jersey’s family child care system. Changes such as new regulations around required training hours, increased documentation requirements for new providers, the organization of providers through unions, and a growing number of corporate child care centers and non-regulated care providers have each had an impact on the system of care. Higher unemployment rates have also had an impact on enrollment and a drop in the number of registered family child care providers. In addition, registration as a family child care provider is still voluntary. As such, the New Jersey Association of Child Care Resource and Referral Agencies (NJACCRRA) administered an abbreviated version of the 2005 survey to gain updated information that would reflect current characteristics and conditions within the state’s family child care system and allow a six-year comparison of results. The results of this report reflect the information learned from the family child care providers who completed the 2011 survey conducted by NJACCRRA. NJACCRRA continues to appreciate and salute the important services and education provided by the family child care network throughout the state and especially appreciates the efforts of those providers who took the time to complete the survey. The report is anticipated to be not only a testament to the strengths of the family child care workforce actively supporting children and families in New Jersey, but also a tool that will help decision-makers manage resources in the ongoing development of the state’s child care system.
Page | 2 A Profile of NJ’s Family Child Care Providers: Six-Year Comparison
Respondents In 2011, the state’s registered family child care providers were asked to complete an online survey to elicit characteristics of their work. A total of 556 surveys were filled out, with 89 percent completed. This number represents about 20 percent of all of the registered providers in New Jersey. Individual county provider response rates ranged from 7 to 41 percent. It should be noted that 89 respondents (16% of the total survey respondents) skipped the question identifying their county, so county data was available for only 474 providers as represented in the below table.
2010 Registered Providers
% of NJ Providers
2011 Survey Respondents
Atlantic
89
3%
6
% of County Providers Responding to Survey 7%
Bergen
113
4%
37
33%
Burlington
133
5%
36
27%
Camden
157
6%
50
32%
Cape May
18
1%
4
22%
Cumberland
176
6%
24
14%
Essex
479
18%
59
12%
Gloucester
54
2%
8
15%
Hudson
380
14%
27
7%
Hunterdon
25
1%
7
28%
Mercer
95
3%
33
35%
Middlesex
121
4%
12
10%
Monmouth
118
4%
16
14%
Morris
86
3%
23
27%
Ocean
99
4%
8
8%
Passaic
272
10%
40
15%
Salem
47
2%
7
15%
Somerset
38
1%
9
24%
Sussex
37
1%
7
19%
Union
138
5%
56
41%
Warren
44
2%
5
11%
TOTAL
2719
100%
474
17%
COUNTY
In 2005, a similar survey was mailed to 3,800 registered providers. A total of 1,040 completed surveys were returned, representing 27 percent of all registered providers in New Jersey. Individual county response rates ranged from 15 to 80 percent, with an average county return rate of 30 percent.
Page | 3 A Profile of NJ’s Family Child Care Providers: Six-Year Comparison
Characteristics of Providers Both the 2005 and 2011 study collected general demographic information about those leading family child care homes across New Jersey. In 2005, at least 97 percent of family child care providers were female; this figure rose to 99 percent in 2011. In 2005, just 1 percent of the respondents identified themselves as male (2 percent did not indicate gender). Similarly, in 2011 just over 1 percent self-identified as male, with no respondents declining to answer this question. The surveys also examined the life and career experience of registered family child care providers across the state. New Jersey’s providers bring decades of life experience to their work; they also represent a group of seasoned professionals. In 2005, close to 60 percent were between the ages of 31 and 50, 27 percent were between the ages of 50 and 64, and 6 percent were over the age of 65. Eight percent were between the ages of 18 and 30. Results from 2011 revealed a jump in the population of providers between the ages of 50 and 64 years of age, with 39 percent of respondents falling in this range. Fifty-two percent of child care providers indicated that they were between 31 and 50 years old, 6 percent indicated they were over age 65, and 3 percent indicated they were less than 30 years old at the time of the survey.
Age of Providers 18-30 years
6%
27%
31-50 years
18%
6% 3%
50-64 years
Over 65
2005
2011 39% 52%
2005
2011 60%
The respondents in the 2011 survey were also asked to indicate the highest level of education they had completed. Nearly half (49 percent) of family child care providers in the state had earned a high school diploma or GED. An additional 18 percent of providers obtained an associate’s degree, 14 percent obtained a bachelor’s degree, and 2 percent completed a master’s program. Only 11 percent of respondents did not complete high school.
Page | 4 A Profile of NJ’s Family Child Care Providers: Six-Year Comparison
Education Levels of Providers 2005 2011
48% 49%
High school or GED
14% 18%
11% 14%
Associate Degree
Bachelors Degree
2%
2%
Masters Degree
The race and ethnicity of providers continues to reflect New Jersey's diverse population. In 2005, 41 percent of providers identified themselves as Black/African-American, 29 percent as White/Caucasian, 24 percent as Latino/Hispanic, 2 percent as Asian-American/Pacific Islander, 1 percent as Native American, and 2 percent as "other” ethnicity. In 2011, 37 percent of providers identified themselves as Black/African-American, 34 percent as Latino/Hispanic, 25 percent as White/Caucasian, 2 percent as Asian-American/Pacific Islander, less than 1 percent as Native American, and 2 percent as "other” ethnicity.
Ethnicity of Providers White / Caucasian
1%
1%
2%
Asian American / Pacific Islander
24%
30%
Latino / Hispanic Native American Other
2%
0%
Black / African –American
25% 34%
2005 41%
2%
2011 37%
Page | 5 A Profile of NJ’s Family Child Care Providers: Six-Year Comparison
There is also diversity in the languages spoken in family child care homes. The 2005 results showed that while 93 percent of family child care providers spoke English with the children in their care, 25 percent also spoke Spanish with them. Three percent of providers spoke languages as diverse as Hindi, Italian, Swahili, American Sign Language, and Polish in their child care settings. In 2011, the survey results revealed only slight changes among family child care providers speaking English (90%) with the children in their care; however, there was a 10 percent increase in the number of providers speaking Spanish with the children in their programs. Three percent speak other diverse languages with the children. This closely mirrors the languages the children speak in their own homes, where 91 percent speak English, 33 percent speak Spanish, and 3 percent speak other languages. Among their own families, 86 percent of family child care providers speak English, 35 percent speak Spanish, and 3 percent report speaking other languages that including French Creole, Greek, Bengale, and Chinese. The growth of number of Spanish-speaking providers is representative of the state's growing Latino population.
Languages Spoken to Children in Family Child Care Homes
93% 90%
2005 2011
35% 25% 3%
English
90%
86%
Spanish
Languages Spoken by Providers at Home (with Own Families)
Other
95%
91%
26%
4%
Spanish
Languages Spoken by Children at Home (with Their Own Families)
33%
35% 26%
English
3%
4%
3%
Other
English
Spanish
3%
Other
Page | 6 A Profile of NJ’s Family Child Care Providers: Six-Year Comparison
Type of Care Provided in Family Child Care Homes The type of care provided through New Jersey’s family child care system varies. In 2011, 96 percent of respondents report that they provide full-time care, 61 percent provide part-time care, 57 percent provide before- or after-school care, 27 percent provide drop-in care, 22 percent provide evening care, 12 percent provide over-night care, and 18 percent provide weekend care. Twelve percent of family child care homes in the state only provide care to children during the school year, and another eight percent do so only during the summer. Twenty percent of family child care homes offer services on holidays. These findings were similar to the 2005 results with the exception of overnight care. This may be attributed to new state regulations requiring that overnight providers stay awake during their period of care, resulting in a drop in providers offering this service.
Types of Care Provided in Family Child Care Homes 30% 27%
2005
21%
2011
12% 20% 18%
20% 27% 22% 12% 8% 12% 12% 60% 57% 66% 61% 91% 96%
Page | 7 A Profile of NJ’s Family Child Care Providers: Six-Year Comparison
When asked about their family child care home in 2005, 69 percent described the dwelling as a house, 10 percent as a multi-family home, 17 percent as an apartment, and 4 percent as a condo or townhouse. Sixty-four percent indicated that they owned their residence and 35 percent rented it in 2005. In 2011, 78 percent described their family child care home as a house, 8 percent as a multifamily home, 10 percent as an apartment, and 3 percent as a condo or townhouse. Sixty-nine percent of providers indicate that they own their residence and 31 percent rent it.
Setting of the Family Child Care Home House
4%
3%
Multi-Family House
10%
Apartment
17%
Condo / Townhouse
10% 69%
8%
2005
2011 78%
Nearly half of the respondents in 2005 described their community as urban, although answers varied among counties to reflect the state’s diverse landscape. The 2011 survey revealed similar responses; 53 percent described their area as urban, 37 percent as suburban, and 11 percent as rural.
Community Surrounding the Family Child Care Home
Home Ownership of Providers
64%
Rural / Country 11%
2005 2011
69%
35%
31%
Suburban 37%
Urban / City 53%
2011 Own
Rent
Page | 8 A Profile of NJ’s Family Child Care Providers: Six-Year Comparison
Operations and Activities that Support Children The 2005 study revealed a planned system of care that sought to actively balance a child’s needs for both nurture and structure. Close to half of the 2005 respondents reported that their television or DVD/VCR was usually off during the day; half of the 2011 providers again reported that these entertainment devices are usually off during the day. Sixty percent of providers in 2005 and 79 percent in 2011 said that children were physically active most or more than half of the day. These changes may be a result of an increased awareness around the importance of encouraging children to be more active given the prevalence of such campaigns over the past few years. Most family child care providers offer and prepare meals for the children in their care, but most do not receive support for this service. Sixty-nine percent of the 2005 respondents provided breakfast, 73 percent provided lunch, and 38 percent provided dinner on a regular basis. In 2011, 80 percent indicated that they provide breakfast, 79 percent provide lunch, and 35 percent provide dinner. Over 70 percent of respondents also noted that they provide the children in their care with snacks in the morning and/or evening. In the 2011 survey, family child care providers were also asked to indicate if they participate in the Child Care Food Program. Twenty-nine percent indicated that they do, while 71 percent said they do not. There are varying levels of attention and care required for children in family child care homes, depending on factors that include their personality, stage of development, and physical health. In 2005, 19 percent of the study’s family child care providers reported supporting children with special needs as diverse as asthma, Down syndrome, and speech impediments. When 2005 providers were asked whether they feel they have enough knowledge to care for a child with a special need, 31 percent said they have enough knowledge, 38 percent said they do have enough knowledge but would like more, 15 percent said they do not have enough knowledge, and 16 percent were unsure. The 2011 providers share similar care demands; nine percent of the study’s family child care providers report supporting children with special needs. When asked whether they feel they have enough knowledge to care for a child with a special need, 38 percent said they have enough knowledge, 26 percent said they do have enough knowledge but would like more, 22 percent said they do not have enough knowledge, and 14 percent were unsure. Providers Caring for Children with Special Needs
Do Family Child Care Providers Feel They Have Enough Knowledge to Care for These Children with Special Needs?
yes
2005
no
9%
19%
2005 81%
16%
2011
14%
2011 90%
15% 22% 38% 26% 31% 38%
The Family Child Care Business Page | 9 A Profile of NJ’s Family Child Care Providers: Six-Year Comparison
Twenty-nine percent of the 2005 respondents had provided paid care in their home for more than 10 years, 19 percent for between six and nine years, and 26 percent for between three and five years. Only 24 percent of New Jersey’s homes had been providing paid care for less than two years. The 2011 results show an increase in the percent of providers in the field for over 10 years from 29 percent in 2005 to 41 percent in 2011. There were only slight changes in the other categories as illustrated below.
Length of Time Working as Family Child Care Provider 29%
10 years or more 6-9 years
3-5 years Less than 2 years
41% 19%
2005
18%
26%
2011
19% 24% 22%
When 2005 participants were asked why they chose to become a family child care provider, 88 percent of the respondents said they liked caring for children. A large percentage saw the benefits of working from home (72 percent) or having the opportunity to be with their own children all day (47 percent). Many 2005 providers shared comments that relayed their own understanding of how critical it is for qualified and affordable child care to be available to working parents, revealing they had made the decision to be a caregiver because they understood how important it was for families to have someone on whom they could rely. Some had struggled themselves to find suitable child care; others described their motivating force as the joy that comes from helping foster a child’s development. Some even referred to their work as a “calling.” Results from the 2011 survey showed 78 percent of providers indicate that they chose this line of work because they like caring for children, 58 percent enjoy the opportunity to work from home, and 33 percent do it for the ability to be with their own children each day. In 2011, family child care providers were asked to indicate how they learned to care for children. Over 77 percent of respondents revealed that they learned to care for children through their own personal experiences as a parent. Sixty-four percent also learned about child care through classes and workshops, 42 percent learned through family and friends, 29 percent received formal education in child care and development, 26 percent read books and articles on the subject, 18 percent spoke to other child care providers for advice, and 8 percent utilized the Internet for research.
Page | 10 A Profile of NJ’s Family Child Care Providers: Six-Year Comparison
The Dollars and Cents of Family Child Care Homes Low wages are a pervasive challenge in the child care field, and the 2005 survey documented how family child care homes across New Jersey struggle with this issue. Forty-one percent of the 2005 survey respondents reported pre-tax annual wages of less than $15,000 from their child care business, and 64 percent earned under $23,000. Only 10 percent reported business earnings over $31,000 each year. Low wages were one of the main reasons that 2005 respondents cited why they might change their line of work. Survey responses from 2011 showed just a slight increase in these results. Thirtysix percent of the 2011 respondents report pre-tax annual wages of less than $15,000 from their child care business, 61 percent earn under $23,000, and just 16 percent report business earnings over $31,000 each year.
Annual Income of NJ's Family Child Care Providers 2.6%
3.6%
0.5%
9.0%
Under $14,999 $15,000 - $22,999 $23,000 - $30,999 $31,000 - $39,999 $40,000 - $49,999 $50,000 - $59,999 Over $60,000
35.5% 23.1%
25.7%
These figures demonstrate that many family child care providers earn an income that FALLS BELOW THE 2009 FEDERAL POVERTY level of $18,310/year for one adult and two children, or $22,050/year for a family of four. Family child care providers also earn dramatically less than the state’s average incomeearners. The majority of family child care providers earned under $22,999, a rate far below the federal poverty rate for a family of four. More than one-third of providers earned under $14,999, an annual income below the 2009 poverty level for one adult and two children.
Average Weekly Fees of Family Child Care Providers $200 $150
$143
$164
$158 $135
$100 $50 $0
2005
2011
Full Time Infant…
2005
2011
Full Time Toddler…
While reported rates varied by home and by county, the 2005 statewide averages for a fulltime week of child care were $143 for an infant and $135 for a toddler. The average 2011 statewide Page | 11 A Profile of NJ’s Family Child Care Providers: Six-Year Comparison
rates reportedly increased just slightly, with a full-time week of child care for an infant costing $164 and a full-time week of care for a toddler costing $158. When asked in 2005 what their biggest challenge was upon the start of their business, the average family child care provider in New Jersey expressed difficulty finding children to care for and adjusting to life with fluctuating income. She describes the same two issues as her current greatest worry. Some of the challenges she reported feeling at the start of her work, which included working with mixed age groups, providing varied materials and activities, feeling isolated from other adults, and managing stressful relationships with parents, came to be less stressful over time. Respondents from 2011 shared similar challenges, as demonstrated by the table below.
Getting the kids to listen to me, 5.3% Working with young children, 10.3%
What is the biggest challenge Family Child Care Providers report in 2011?
Space, 12.6%
Other, 13.1%
Providing a full day of activities, 13.3% Working with mixed age groups, 14.2% Providing a variety of materials and equipment, 14.7% Running my family child care business, 14.9% Developing relationships with the parents, 15.1% Isolation, limited adult interaction, 15.4% Finding family time of my own, 15.8% Leaning to live with changing income, 30.5%
Finding children to care for; 36.9%
Page | 12 A Profile of NJ’s Family Child Care Providers: Six-Year Comparison
Developing the Profession: The CCR&R’s Responsibility The 2005 study found that most family child care providers approached their responsibilities with a commitment to learning and professional development. Close to 70 percent of respondents viewed their work as a career. Contrary to common assumptions, only 9 percent described their role as a temporary job to meet their needs while their own children are young. Almost 70 percent had attended a training during the last six months, and 64 percent reported participating in meetings, conferences, or trainings related to the child care profession more than twice each year. Most 2005 providers --88 percent-- reported learning about these opportunities from their CCR&R. In the 2011 survey, 84 percent of family child care providers reported that they attend more than two meetings or trainings related to their field each year, 10 percent attend one per year, and 4 percent attend one session every two to three years. Only 2 percent of providers report that they do not attend any meetings, conferences, or trainings. These reports reflect what county child care resource and referral staff have also experienced: more child care providers are attending trainings, partially because the number of required training hours for providers has also increased. Many providers indicated an interest in intensifying the level of support they offer to families. Seventy-three percent of 2005 providers and 84 percent of 2011 providers reported they would be interested in the opportunity to develop an expanded family child care home that allowed them to care for up to ten children with an assistant. The desire to expand could be a challenge given that providers also report that finding children to care for is very difficult. (See earlier response on greatest challenges.) It could represent the provider's desire to be at full capacity. In 2005, 64 percent of the providers also shared information about why they might not participate in the trainings, meetings, or conferences that are available to them. Barriers were often related to the times that meetings are scheduled and the locations where they are held. Many providers reported that they simply lacked the time to attend. Others wrote about the challenges of attending meetings in the evening, during the few hours they have to spend alone with their own families. They also listed a lack of child care and lack of transportation as major barriers. Similar results were reported in the 2011 survey with most providers listing schedule conflicts (29 percent) and location (18 percent) as the leading barriers. Among the other obstacles, 18 percent of providers reported that they don’t have extra time to attend meetings or trainings, 13 percent reported they cannot afford the cost, 6 percent said they are confident in their abilities so it’s not a priority, and two percent are not aware of any opportunities available to them. In 2005, family child care providers listed personal health reasons (41 percent), low earnings (33 percent), and lack of benefits (26 percent) as the top reasons they might stop providing care. Other reasons included their long work hours and stressful relationships with the parents of children in their care. Career-oriented providers listed the three overall reasons for stopping care in the same order as above. In contrast, those who saw their role as temporary work indicated low earnings, long hours, and the fact that their own children would be entering school as their reasons for ending their family child care business. In the 2011 survey, respondents again revealed the main reasons they may stop providing care as low earnings (45 percent) and health issues (37 percent). Additionally, the lack of children requiring care (42 percent), absence of benefits (21 percent), and long hours (13 percent) were listed as important factors. Others noted that isolation from adults, stressful relationships with parents of the children in their care, pressure from their own families, landlord and neighbor problems, liability issues, lack of respect, and their own children entering school were concerns. Page | 13 A Profile of NJ’s Family Child Care Providers: Six-Year Comparison
A Declining Profession or a Decreasing Number of Registered Professionals? # FAMILY CHILD CARE PROVIDERS
INCREASE/DECREASE OVER TIME Between
Between
Between
2004 and 2001
2010 and 2004
2010 and 2001
1%
-35%
-34%
5%
-54%
-52%
-23%
-30%
-46%
-15%
-34%
-44%
-40%
20%
-28%
378 586 150 595 76 295 232 145 249 156 335 73 137 92 192 79
-31%
-33%
-53%
-15%
-4%
-18%
-39%
-41%
-64%
-15%
-25%
-36%
-29%
-54%
-67%
-35%
-51%
-68%
-22%
-34%
-48%
31%
-38%
-19%
-54%
-25%
-65%
-16%
-24%
-37%
-35%
25%
-19%
12%
-43%
-36%
-37%
-56%
-72%
-25%
-46%
-60%
7%
-33%
-28%
-4%
-42%
-44%
4689
-19%
-28%
-42%
COUNTY
2010
2004
2001
Atlantic Bergen Burlington Camden Cape May
89 113 133 157 18
137 245 191 237 15
135 233 248 278 25
Cumberland Essex Gloucester Hudson Hunterdon Mercer Middlesex Monmouth Morris Ocean Passaic Salem Somerset Sussex Union Warren
176 479 54 380 25 95 121 118 86 99 272 47 38 37 138 44
262 499 92 505 54 193 182 190 114 131 217 82 86 69 206 76
TOTAL
2719
3783
The overall number of registered child care providers in New Jersey dropped by 42 percent between 2001 and 2010. Between 2001 and 2004, New Jersey experienced a 19 percent decrease in the number of registered family child care homes. The next few years saw a continued trend in the decline of homes. Between 2004 and 2010, the number registered family child care providers decreased by 28 percent. While individual county rates did vary, all counties saw declines over the ten-year period. The 2005 statewide survey did attempt to elicit information about why registered family child care providers thought their peers choose not to register, although most did not answer this question or responded with direct uncertainty. Those that did answer indicated that the hesitation to register had to do with concerns over monitoring or operating their business through cash transactions. This question was not elicited in the 2011 survey. Page | 14 A Profile of NJ’s Family Child Care Providers: Six-Year Comparison
Supporting the Family Child Care Provider: The CCR&R’s Role Eighty-one percent of family child care providers surveyed in 2005 indicated that they did know how to contact their local child care resource and referral agency (CCR&R), and 73 percent said the CCR&R was helpful to them. Forty percent of providers reported communicating live (over the telephone or in person) with a staff person from their CCR&R a few times each year. An additional 25 percent communicate live at least once a month, while 9 percent do so once each week. Family child care providers reported accessing services that include referrals from families who need child care, educational materials and training, technical assistance on regulations and credentialing requirements, and support for their challenges and new ideas. Providers responding to the family child care survey in the 2011 survey also overwhelmingly indicated that they found their CCR&R to be a valuable resource. Over 85 percent considered their agency helpful. Most providers (76 percent) utilized their CCR&R for work-related training; 57 percent also used their agency referral resources, 55 percent sought out information related to licensing rules and regulations, 50 percent requested pamphlets and educational materials on issues related to child care, 40 percent took advantage of networking opportunities, and 30 percent talked to someone at their agency about ideas or challenges. In 2011, family child care providers were also asked if they are aware of the accreditation offered to providers by the National Association for Family Child Care. A majority (67 percent) said they are aware of this certification, while just under 33 percent stated that they are unaware. Nineteen percent of respondents noted that they were already accredited through the National Association for Family Child Care, with an additional 16 percent currently working towards the certification. Summary of Key Findings Over the past six years, economic challenges and changes in the utilization and needs of families who depend on family child care have continued to shape New Jersey’s family child care system. New regulations regarding required training hours for family child care providers, increased documentation for start-up providers, the organization of providers through unions, and a growing number of corporate child care centers and non-regulated care providers have had an impact on the family child care system. Higher unemployment rates may also have a role in a decrease in enrollment and a drop in the number of registered family child care providers. Nevertheless, findings from the 2011 survey demonstrate that the family child care provider network continues to be a valuable system providing child care in New Jersey. The devotion and strengths of the family child care provider are a critical part of the system of care supporting New Jersey’s families. Despite being challenged by low wages, long hours and lack of benefits, family child care providers remain committed to their work with children, with 41 percent of providers reporting providing family child care services for over 10 years. Results from the 2011 survey showed 78 percent of providers indicate that they chose this line of work because they like caring for children. New Jersey’s providers also bring decades of life experience to their work; in 2011, 52 percent were between the ages of 31 and 50, 39 percent were between the ages of 50 and 64, and 6 percent were over the age of 65. Several trends emerged as we compared the data collected in 2005 with the data from 2011, however results should be interpreted with caution. The findings reported rely on data from family Page | 15 A Profile of NJ’s Family Child Care Providers: Six-Year Comparison
child care providers from throughout New Jersey that voluntarily participated in an on-line self-report survey. Information from providers who did not participate in the study may not be similar to the results described here. First, on a positive note, family child care providers reported being more actively engaged in training opportunities than they were in 2005, with 84 percent of providers attending more than two meetings or trainings related to their field each year. As the survey illustrates, most family child care providers are interested in continuing their professional development and expanding their child care capacities. Fourteen percent already hold a bachelor's degree and 2 percent have a masters degree, qualifying them to provide pre-kindergarten services. Family child care providers also continue to provide a variety of child care options to meet the diverse needs of New Jersey families, as was the case in 2005. In addition to the traditional full time care option, 61 percent of providers surveyed provide part-time care, 57 percent provide before- or after-school care, 27 percent provide drop-in care, 22 percent provide evening care, 12 percent provide over-night care, and 18 percent provide weekend care. Twenty percent of family child care homes also offer services on holidays. This flexibility is critical in a state where 63.3 percent of households with children under the age of 6 have all parents in the family working (US Census 2010). According to Tan Coelho, President of the Educational Association for Family Child Care Inc., "in these tough economic times, parents will use part-time care if they are laid-off to keep their options open to look for a new job themselves while ensuring a spot in the same family child care home." The study findings also highlight areas for further attention if the family child care system in New Jersey is to continue growing. The number of registered family child care providers in New Jersey has been steadily declining. Alarmingly, there was a 42% decrease in registered providers in NJ between 2001 and 2010, dropping from 4,689 to 2,719 over the past decade. In addition, survey respondents in 2011 represent an older population than providers surveyed in 2005, which is reflective of what is going on nationwide states Roselle B. Coye, president of the New Jersey Family Child Care Provider Association. In 2005, 27 percent of providers were between the ages of 50-64 and in 2011, 39 percent were 50-64, raising a concern that providers may age out of the profession. Low wages are a pervasive challenge in the child care field, and the 2011 survey documented how family child care homes across New Jersey also struggle with this issue. Survey responses from 2011 showed just a slight increase in income since 2005. Many family child care providers earn an income that falls below the 2010 federal poverty level of $18,310/year for one adult and two children, or $22,050/year for a family of four. Family child care providers also earn dramatically less than the state’s 2010 median household income of $67,681. Thirty-six percent of the 2011 respondents report pre-tax annual wages of less than $15,000 from their child care business, 61 percent earn under $23,000 and just 16 percent report business earnings over $31,000 each year. In the 2011 survey, respondents again revealed the main reasons they may stop providing care as low earnings (45 percent) and health issues (37 percent). Additionally, the lack of children requiring care (42 percent), absence of benefits (21 percent), and long hours (13 percent) were listed as important factors.
Page | 16 A Profile of NJ’s Family Child Care Providers: Six-Year Comparison
Next Steps Families across the state rely on the availability of high quality, flexible, and diverse child care options. Our children, and their healthy development, depend on it. Since a significant number of New Jersey families select family child care to meet their child care needs, New Jersey’s policymakers must find a way to support the growth, preserve the quality, and nurture the development of the network of family child care providers. "In order to support the growth of the family child care profession, we need to create a positive environment of confidence and dedication among providers by increasing the bar of professionalism for this field" states Roselle B. Coye, president of the New Jersey Family Child Care Provider Association. Tan Coelho, president, Educational Association for Family Child Care Inc. also suggests raising awareness about the benefits of family child care such as the nurturing home setting and the consistency of the same provider/teacher for the child. NJACCRRA is committed to bringing the issues and concerns of family child care providers to the forefront of their advocacy efforts. As such, NJACCRRA will continue to advocate for:
Including family child care in the definition of early care and education options made available by the state;
Investing in the family child care provider workforce by providing targeted resources to help registered providers meet pre-kindergarten teacher education standards—and receive comparable wages to similarly educated school teachers;
Expanding resources and technical assistance to improve the content of early education services in family child care programs and help registered providers meet family child care accreditation standards;
Expanding the Strengthening Families Initiative to additional family child care homes;
Passing stand-alone legislation requiring that individuals who care for non-relative children in their home must have a fingerprint-based criminal background check;
Establishing a quality rating system to inform consumers and recognize and reward the quality of care provided in family child care homes; and
Collecting data and evaluating program quality and impact across settings to encourage ongoing program improvement.
Page | 17 A Profile of NJ’s Family Child Care Providers: Six-Year Comparison
New Jersey Association of Child Care Resource and Referral Agencies P.O. Box 55816, Trenton, New Jersey 08638-6816 www.njaccrra.org [email protected]
Introduction In 2005, the New Jersey Association of Child Care Resource and Referral Agencies (NJACCRRA) undertook a study to examine the state of family child care in New Jersey. The study was commissioned with recognition that family child care providers were the most underrepresented segment of caregivers in the state and was funded, in part, by the Child Welfare League of America and The Schumann Fund for New Jersey. The overall 2005 study included a major statewide survey of registered family child care providers. Data was collected with an interest in documenting a system of care that historically has been informal and explored the characteristics of individual providers, their interactions with children, and the environment in which they provide care. Information was intended to expand the foundation for advocacy on behalf of family child care providers, develop a resource that would help shape legislation regulating family child care, and provide direction for defining the role of family child care homes in New Jersey’s overall early care and education plan. The data measured trends and helped identify strengths and challenges that shaped the overall role family child care played in New Jersey's system of care. The report was distributed to county Human Services Advisory Councils for local planning efforts, used as a tool to advocate for fingerprinting as a method of screening providers, and served as a basis for including family child care providers in New Jersey's Strengthening Families Initiative. Over the past six years, economic challenges and changes in the utilization and needs of the families who depend on family child care have continued to shape New Jersey’s family child care system. Changes such as new regulations around required training hours, increased documentation requirements for new providers, the organization of providers through unions, and a growing number of corporate child care centers and non-regulated care providers have each had an impact on the system of care. Higher unemployment rates have also had an impact on enrollment and a drop in the number of registered family child care providers. In addition, registration as a family child care provider is still voluntary. As such, the New Jersey Association of Child Care Resource and Referral Agencies (NJACCRRA) administered an abbreviated version of the 2005 survey to gain updated information that would reflect current characteristics and conditions within the state’s family child care system and allow a six-year comparison of results. The results of this report reflect the information learned from the family child care providers who completed the 2011 survey conducted by NJACCRRA. NJACCRRA continues to appreciate and salute the important services and education provided by the family child care network throughout the state and especially appreciates the efforts of those providers who took the time to complete the survey. The report is anticipated to be not only a testament to the strengths of the family child care workforce actively supporting children and families in New Jersey, but also a tool that will help decision-makers manage resources in the ongoing development of the state’s child care system.
Page | 2 A Profile of NJ’s Family Child Care Providers: Six-Year Comparison
Respondents In 2011, the state’s registered family child care providers were asked to complete an online survey to elicit characteristics of their work. A total of 556 surveys were filled out, with 89 percent completed. This number represents about 20 percent of all of the registered providers in New Jersey. Individual county provider response rates ranged from 7 to 41 percent. It should be noted that 89 respondents (16% of the total survey respondents) skipped the question identifying their county, so county data was available for only 474 providers as represented in the below table.
2010 Registered Providers
% of NJ Providers
2011 Survey Respondents
Atlantic
89
3%
6
% of County Providers Responding to Survey 7%
Bergen
113
4%
37
33%
Burlington
133
5%
36
27%
Camden
157
6%
50
32%
Cape May
18
1%
4
22%
Cumberland
176
6%
24
14%
Essex
479
18%
59
12%
Gloucester
54
2%
8
15%
Hudson
380
14%
27
7%
Hunterdon
25
1%
7
28%
Mercer
95
3%
33
35%
Middlesex
121
4%
12
10%
Monmouth
118
4%
16
14%
Morris
86
3%
23
27%
Ocean
99
4%
8
8%
Passaic
272
10%
40
15%
Salem
47
2%
7
15%
Somerset
38
1%
9
24%
Sussex
37
1%
7
19%
Union
138
5%
56
41%
Warren
44
2%
5
11%
TOTAL
2719
100%
474
17%
COUNTY
In 2005, a similar survey was mailed to 3,800 registered providers. A total of 1,040 completed surveys were returned, representing 27 percent of all registered providers in New Jersey. Individual county response rates ranged from 15 to 80 percent, with an average county return rate of 30 percent.
Page | 3 A Profile of NJ’s Family Child Care Providers: Six-Year Comparison
Characteristics of Providers Both the 2005 and 2011 study collected general demographic information about those leading family child care homes across New Jersey. In 2005, at least 97 percent of family child care providers were female; this figure rose to 99 percent in 2011. In 2005, just 1 percent of the respondents identified themselves as male (2 percent did not indicate gender). Similarly, in 2011 just over 1 percent self-identified as male, with no respondents declining to answer this question. The surveys also examined the life and career experience of registered family child care providers across the state. New Jersey’s providers bring decades of life experience to their work; they also represent a group of seasoned professionals. In 2005, close to 60 percent were between the ages of 31 and 50, 27 percent were between the ages of 50 and 64, and 6 percent were over the age of 65. Eight percent were between the ages of 18 and 30. Results from 2011 revealed a jump in the population of providers between the ages of 50 and 64 years of age, with 39 percent of respondents falling in this range. Fifty-two percent of child care providers indicated that they were between 31 and 50 years old, 6 percent indicated they were over age 65, and 3 percent indicated they were less than 30 years old at the time of the survey.
Age of Providers 18-30 years
6%
27%
31-50 years
18%
6% 3%
50-64 years
Over 65
2005
2011 39% 52%
2005
2011 60%
The respondents in the 2011 survey were also asked to indicate the highest level of education they had completed. Nearly half (49 percent) of family child care providers in the state had earned a high school diploma or GED. An additional 18 percent of providers obtained an associate’s degree, 14 percent obtained a bachelor’s degree, and 2 percent completed a master’s program. Only 11 percent of respondents did not complete high school.
Page | 4 A Profile of NJ’s Family Child Care Providers: Six-Year Comparison
Education Levels of Providers 2005 2011
48% 49%
High school or GED
14% 18%
11% 14%
Associate Degree
Bachelors Degree
2%
2%
Masters Degree
The race and ethnicity of providers continues to reflect New Jersey's diverse population. In 2005, 41 percent of providers identified themselves as Black/African-American, 29 percent as White/Caucasian, 24 percent as Latino/Hispanic, 2 percent as Asian-American/Pacific Islander, 1 percent as Native American, and 2 percent as "other” ethnicity. In 2011, 37 percent of providers identified themselves as Black/African-American, 34 percent as Latino/Hispanic, 25 percent as White/Caucasian, 2 percent as Asian-American/Pacific Islander, less than 1 percent as Native American, and 2 percent as "other” ethnicity.
Ethnicity of Providers White / Caucasian
1%
1%
2%
Asian American / Pacific Islander
24%
30%
Latino / Hispanic Native American Other
2%
0%
Black / African –American
25% 34%
2005 41%
2%
2011 37%
Page | 5 A Profile of NJ’s Family Child Care Providers: Six-Year Comparison
There is also diversity in the languages spoken in family child care homes. The 2005 results showed that while 93 percent of family child care providers spoke English with the children in their care, 25 percent also spoke Spanish with them. Three percent of providers spoke languages as diverse as Hindi, Italian, Swahili, American Sign Language, and Polish in their child care settings. In 2011, the survey results revealed only slight changes among family child care providers speaking English (90%) with the children in their care; however, there was a 10 percent increase in the number of providers speaking Spanish with the children in their programs. Three percent speak other diverse languages with the children. This closely mirrors the languages the children speak in their own homes, where 91 percent speak English, 33 percent speak Spanish, and 3 percent speak other languages. Among their own families, 86 percent of family child care providers speak English, 35 percent speak Spanish, and 3 percent report speaking other languages that including French Creole, Greek, Bengale, and Chinese. The growth of number of Spanish-speaking providers is representative of the state's growing Latino population.
Languages Spoken to Children in Family Child Care Homes
93% 90%
2005 2011
35% 25% 3%
English
90%
86%
Spanish
Languages Spoken by Providers at Home (with Own Families)
Other
95%
91%
26%
4%
Spanish
Languages Spoken by Children at Home (with Their Own Families)
33%
35% 26%
English
3%
4%
3%
Other
English
Spanish
3%
Other
Page | 6 A Profile of NJ’s Family Child Care Providers: Six-Year Comparison
Type of Care Provided in Family Child Care Homes The type of care provided through New Jersey’s family child care system varies. In 2011, 96 percent of respondents report that they provide full-time care, 61 percent provide part-time care, 57 percent provide before- or after-school care, 27 percent provide drop-in care, 22 percent provide evening care, 12 percent provide over-night care, and 18 percent provide weekend care. Twelve percent of family child care homes in the state only provide care to children during the school year, and another eight percent do so only during the summer. Twenty percent of family child care homes offer services on holidays. These findings were similar to the 2005 results with the exception of overnight care. This may be attributed to new state regulations requiring that overnight providers stay awake during their period of care, resulting in a drop in providers offering this service.
Types of Care Provided in Family Child Care Homes 30% 27%
2005
21%
2011
12% 20% 18%
20% 27% 22% 12% 8% 12% 12% 60% 57% 66% 61% 91% 96%
Page | 7 A Profile of NJ’s Family Child Care Providers: Six-Year Comparison
When asked about their family child care home in 2005, 69 percent described the dwelling as a house, 10 percent as a multi-family home, 17 percent as an apartment, and 4 percent as a condo or townhouse. Sixty-four percent indicated that they owned their residence and 35 percent rented it in 2005. In 2011, 78 percent described their family child care home as a house, 8 percent as a multifamily home, 10 percent as an apartment, and 3 percent as a condo or townhouse. Sixty-nine percent of providers indicate that they own their residence and 31 percent rent it.
Setting of the Family Child Care Home House
4%
3%
Multi-Family House
10%
Apartment
17%
Condo / Townhouse
10% 69%
8%
2005
2011 78%
Nearly half of the respondents in 2005 described their community as urban, although answers varied among counties to reflect the state’s diverse landscape. The 2011 survey revealed similar responses; 53 percent described their area as urban, 37 percent as suburban, and 11 percent as rural.
Community Surrounding the Family Child Care Home
Home Ownership of Providers
64%
Rural / Country 11%
2005 2011
69%
35%
31%
Suburban 37%
Urban / City 53%
2011 Own
Rent
Page | 8 A Profile of NJ’s Family Child Care Providers: Six-Year Comparison
Operations and Activities that Support Children The 2005 study revealed a planned system of care that sought to actively balance a child’s needs for both nurture and structure. Close to half of the 2005 respondents reported that their television or DVD/VCR was usually off during the day; half of the 2011 providers again reported that these entertainment devices are usually off during the day. Sixty percent of providers in 2005 and 79 percent in 2011 said that children were physically active most or more than half of the day. These changes may be a result of an increased awareness around the importance of encouraging children to be more active given the prevalence of such campaigns over the past few years. Most family child care providers offer and prepare meals for the children in their care, but most do not receive support for this service. Sixty-nine percent of the 2005 respondents provided breakfast, 73 percent provided lunch, and 38 percent provided dinner on a regular basis. In 2011, 80 percent indicated that they provide breakfast, 79 percent provide lunch, and 35 percent provide dinner. Over 70 percent of respondents also noted that they provide the children in their care with snacks in the morning and/or evening. In the 2011 survey, family child care providers were also asked to indicate if they participate in the Child Care Food Program. Twenty-nine percent indicated that they do, while 71 percent said they do not. There are varying levels of attention and care required for children in family child care homes, depending on factors that include their personality, stage of development, and physical health. In 2005, 19 percent of the study’s family child care providers reported supporting children with special needs as diverse as asthma, Down syndrome, and speech impediments. When 2005 providers were asked whether they feel they have enough knowledge to care for a child with a special need, 31 percent said they have enough knowledge, 38 percent said they do have enough knowledge but would like more, 15 percent said they do not have enough knowledge, and 16 percent were unsure. The 2011 providers share similar care demands; nine percent of the study’s family child care providers report supporting children with special needs. When asked whether they feel they have enough knowledge to care for a child with a special need, 38 percent said they have enough knowledge, 26 percent said they do have enough knowledge but would like more, 22 percent said they do not have enough knowledge, and 14 percent were unsure. Providers Caring for Children with Special Needs
Do Family Child Care Providers Feel They Have Enough Knowledge to Care for These Children with Special Needs?
yes
2005
no
9%
19%
2005 81%
16%
2011
14%
2011 90%
15% 22% 38% 26% 31% 38%
The Family Child Care Business Page | 9 A Profile of NJ’s Family Child Care Providers: Six-Year Comparison
Twenty-nine percent of the 2005 respondents had provided paid care in their home for more than 10 years, 19 percent for between six and nine years, and 26 percent for between three and five years. Only 24 percent of New Jersey’s homes had been providing paid care for less than two years. The 2011 results show an increase in the percent of providers in the field for over 10 years from 29 percent in 2005 to 41 percent in 2011. There were only slight changes in the other categories as illustrated below.
Length of Time Working as Family Child Care Provider 29%
10 years or more 6-9 years
3-5 years Less than 2 years
41% 19%
2005
18%
26%
2011
19% 24% 22%
When 2005 participants were asked why they chose to become a family child care provider, 88 percent of the respondents said they liked caring for children. A large percentage saw the benefits of working from home (72 percent) or having the opportunity to be with their own children all day (47 percent). Many 2005 providers shared comments that relayed their own understanding of how critical it is for qualified and affordable child care to be available to working parents, revealing they had made the decision to be a caregiver because they understood how important it was for families to have someone on whom they could rely. Some had struggled themselves to find suitable child care; others described their motivating force as the joy that comes from helping foster a child’s development. Some even referred to their work as a “calling.” Results from the 2011 survey showed 78 percent of providers indicate that they chose this line of work because they like caring for children, 58 percent enjoy the opportunity to work from home, and 33 percent do it for the ability to be with their own children each day. In 2011, family child care providers were asked to indicate how they learned to care for children. Over 77 percent of respondents revealed that they learned to care for children through their own personal experiences as a parent. Sixty-four percent also learned about child care through classes and workshops, 42 percent learned through family and friends, 29 percent received formal education in child care and development, 26 percent read books and articles on the subject, 18 percent spoke to other child care providers for advice, and 8 percent utilized the Internet for research.
Page | 10 A Profile of NJ’s Family Child Care Providers: Six-Year Comparison
The Dollars and Cents of Family Child Care Homes Low wages are a pervasive challenge in the child care field, and the 2005 survey documented how family child care homes across New Jersey struggle with this issue. Forty-one percent of the 2005 survey respondents reported pre-tax annual wages of less than $15,000 from their child care business, and 64 percent earned under $23,000. Only 10 percent reported business earnings over $31,000 each year. Low wages were one of the main reasons that 2005 respondents cited why they might change their line of work. Survey responses from 2011 showed just a slight increase in these results. Thirtysix percent of the 2011 respondents report pre-tax annual wages of less than $15,000 from their child care business, 61 percent earn under $23,000, and just 16 percent report business earnings over $31,000 each year.
Annual Income of NJ's Family Child Care Providers 2.6%
3.6%
0.5%
9.0%
Under $14,999 $15,000 - $22,999 $23,000 - $30,999 $31,000 - $39,999 $40,000 - $49,999 $50,000 - $59,999 Over $60,000
35.5% 23.1%
25.7%
These figures demonstrate that many family child care providers earn an income that FALLS BELOW THE 2009 FEDERAL POVERTY level of $18,310/year for one adult and two children, or $22,050/year for a family of four. Family child care providers also earn dramatically less than the state’s average incomeearners. The majority of family child care providers earned under $22,999, a rate far below the federal poverty rate for a family of four. More than one-third of providers earned under $14,999, an annual income below the 2009 poverty level for one adult and two children.
Average Weekly Fees of Family Child Care Providers $200 $150
$143
$164
$158 $135
$100 $50 $0
2005
2011
Full Time Infant…
2005
2011
Full Time Toddler…
While reported rates varied by home and by county, the 2005 statewide averages for a fulltime week of child care were $143 for an infant and $135 for a toddler. The average 2011 statewide Page | 11 A Profile of NJ’s Family Child Care Providers: Six-Year Comparison
rates reportedly increased just slightly, with a full-time week of child care for an infant costing $164 and a full-time week of care for a toddler costing $158. When asked in 2005 what their biggest challenge was upon the start of their business, the average family child care provider in New Jersey expressed difficulty finding children to care for and adjusting to life with fluctuating income. She describes the same two issues as her current greatest worry. Some of the challenges she reported feeling at the start of her work, which included working with mixed age groups, providing varied materials and activities, feeling isolated from other adults, and managing stressful relationships with parents, came to be less stressful over time. Respondents from 2011 shared similar challenges, as demonstrated by the table below.
Getting the kids to listen to me, 5.3% Working with young children, 10.3%
What is the biggest challenge Family Child Care Providers report in 2011?
Space, 12.6%
Other, 13.1%
Providing a full day of activities, 13.3% Working with mixed age groups, 14.2% Providing a variety of materials and equipment, 14.7% Running my family child care business, 14.9% Developing relationships with the parents, 15.1% Isolation, limited adult interaction, 15.4% Finding family time of my own, 15.8% Leaning to live with changing income, 30.5%
Finding children to care for; 36.9%
Page | 12 A Profile of NJ’s Family Child Care Providers: Six-Year Comparison
Developing the Profession: The CCR&R’s Responsibility The 2005 study found that most family child care providers approached their responsibilities with a commitment to learning and professional development. Close to 70 percent of respondents viewed their work as a career. Contrary to common assumptions, only 9 percent described their role as a temporary job to meet their needs while their own children are young. Almost 70 percent had attended a training during the last six months, and 64 percent reported participating in meetings, conferences, or trainings related to the child care profession more than twice each year. Most 2005 providers --88 percent-- reported learning about these opportunities from their CCR&R. In the 2011 survey, 84 percent of family child care providers reported that they attend more than two meetings or trainings related to their field each year, 10 percent attend one per year, and 4 percent attend one session every two to three years. Only 2 percent of providers report that they do not attend any meetings, conferences, or trainings. These reports reflect what county child care resource and referral staff have also experienced: more child care providers are attending trainings, partially because the number of required training hours for providers has also increased. Many providers indicated an interest in intensifying the level of support they offer to families. Seventy-three percent of 2005 providers and 84 percent of 2011 providers reported they would be interested in the opportunity to develop an expanded family child care home that allowed them to care for up to ten children with an assistant. The desire to expand could be a challenge given that providers also report that finding children to care for is very difficult. (See earlier response on greatest challenges.) It could represent the provider's desire to be at full capacity. In 2005, 64 percent of the providers also shared information about why they might not participate in the trainings, meetings, or conferences that are available to them. Barriers were often related to the times that meetings are scheduled and the locations where they are held. Many providers reported that they simply lacked the time to attend. Others wrote about the challenges of attending meetings in the evening, during the few hours they have to spend alone with their own families. They also listed a lack of child care and lack of transportation as major barriers. Similar results were reported in the 2011 survey with most providers listing schedule conflicts (29 percent) and location (18 percent) as the leading barriers. Among the other obstacles, 18 percent of providers reported that they don’t have extra time to attend meetings or trainings, 13 percent reported they cannot afford the cost, 6 percent said they are confident in their abilities so it’s not a priority, and two percent are not aware of any opportunities available to them. In 2005, family child care providers listed personal health reasons (41 percent), low earnings (33 percent), and lack of benefits (26 percent) as the top reasons they might stop providing care. Other reasons included their long work hours and stressful relationships with the parents of children in their care. Career-oriented providers listed the three overall reasons for stopping care in the same order as above. In contrast, those who saw their role as temporary work indicated low earnings, long hours, and the fact that their own children would be entering school as their reasons for ending their family child care business. In the 2011 survey, respondents again revealed the main reasons they may stop providing care as low earnings (45 percent) and health issues (37 percent). Additionally, the lack of children requiring care (42 percent), absence of benefits (21 percent), and long hours (13 percent) were listed as important factors. Others noted that isolation from adults, stressful relationships with parents of the children in their care, pressure from their own families, landlord and neighbor problems, liability issues, lack of respect, and their own children entering school were concerns. Page | 13 A Profile of NJ’s Family Child Care Providers: Six-Year Comparison
A Declining Profession or a Decreasing Number of Registered Professionals? # FAMILY CHILD CARE PROVIDERS
INCREASE/DECREASE OVER TIME Between
Between
Between
2004 and 2001
2010 and 2004
2010 and 2001
1%
-35%
-34%
5%
-54%
-52%
-23%
-30%
-46%
-15%
-34%
-44%
-40%
20%
-28%
378 586 150 595 76 295 232 145 249 156 335 73 137 92 192 79
-31%
-33%
-53%
-15%
-4%
-18%
-39%
-41%
-64%
-15%
-25%
-36%
-29%
-54%
-67%
-35%
-51%
-68%
-22%
-34%
-48%
31%
-38%
-19%
-54%
-25%
-65%
-16%
-24%
-37%
-35%
25%
-19%
12%
-43%
-36%
-37%
-56%
-72%
-25%
-46%
-60%
7%
-33%
-28%
-4%
-42%
-44%
4689
-19%
-28%
-42%
COUNTY
2010
2004
2001
Atlantic Bergen Burlington Camden Cape May
89 113 133 157 18
137 245 191 237 15
135 233 248 278 25
Cumberland Essex Gloucester Hudson Hunterdon Mercer Middlesex Monmouth Morris Ocean Passaic Salem Somerset Sussex Union Warren
176 479 54 380 25 95 121 118 86 99 272 47 38 37 138 44
262 499 92 505 54 193 182 190 114 131 217 82 86 69 206 76
TOTAL
2719
3783
The overall number of registered child care providers in New Jersey dropped by 42 percent between 2001 and 2010. Between 2001 and 2004, New Jersey experienced a 19 percent decrease in the number of registered family child care homes. The next few years saw a continued trend in the decline of homes. Between 2004 and 2010, the number registered family child care providers decreased by 28 percent. While individual county rates did vary, all counties saw declines over the ten-year period. The 2005 statewide survey did attempt to elicit information about why registered family child care providers thought their peers choose not to register, although most did not answer this question or responded with direct uncertainty. Those that did answer indicated that the hesitation to register had to do with concerns over monitoring or operating their business through cash transactions. This question was not elicited in the 2011 survey. Page | 14 A Profile of NJ’s Family Child Care Providers: Six-Year Comparison
Supporting the Family Child Care Provider: The CCR&R’s Role Eighty-one percent of family child care providers surveyed in 2005 indicated that they did know how to contact their local child care resource and referral agency (CCR&R), and 73 percent said the CCR&R was helpful to them. Forty percent of providers reported communicating live (over the telephone or in person) with a staff person from their CCR&R a few times each year. An additional 25 percent communicate live at least once a month, while 9 percent do so once each week. Family child care providers reported accessing services that include referrals from families who need child care, educational materials and training, technical assistance on regulations and credentialing requirements, and support for their challenges and new ideas. Providers responding to the family child care survey in the 2011 survey also overwhelmingly indicated that they found their CCR&R to be a valuable resource. Over 85 percent considered their agency helpful. Most providers (76 percent) utilized their CCR&R for work-related training; 57 percent also used their agency referral resources, 55 percent sought out information related to licensing rules and regulations, 50 percent requested pamphlets and educational materials on issues related to child care, 40 percent took advantage of networking opportunities, and 30 percent talked to someone at their agency about ideas or challenges. In 2011, family child care providers were also asked if they are aware of the accreditation offered to providers by the National Association for Family Child Care. A majority (67 percent) said they are aware of this certification, while just under 33 percent stated that they are unaware. Nineteen percent of respondents noted that they were already accredited through the National Association for Family Child Care, with an additional 16 percent currently working towards the certification. Summary of Key Findings Over the past six years, economic challenges and changes in the utilization and needs of families who depend on family child care have continued to shape New Jersey’s family child care system. New regulations regarding required training hours for family child care providers, increased documentation for start-up providers, the organization of providers through unions, and a growing number of corporate child care centers and non-regulated care providers have had an impact on the family child care system. Higher unemployment rates may also have a role in a decrease in enrollment and a drop in the number of registered family child care providers. Nevertheless, findings from the 2011 survey demonstrate that the family child care provider network continues to be a valuable system providing child care in New Jersey. The devotion and strengths of the family child care provider are a critical part of the system of care supporting New Jersey’s families. Despite being challenged by low wages, long hours and lack of benefits, family child care providers remain committed to their work with children, with 41 percent of providers reporting providing family child care services for over 10 years. Results from the 2011 survey showed 78 percent of providers indicate that they chose this line of work because they like caring for children. New Jersey’s providers also bring decades of life experience to their work; in 2011, 52 percent were between the ages of 31 and 50, 39 percent were between the ages of 50 and 64, and 6 percent were over the age of 65. Several trends emerged as we compared the data collected in 2005 with the data from 2011, however results should be interpreted with caution. The findings reported rely on data from family Page | 15 A Profile of NJ’s Family Child Care Providers: Six-Year Comparison
child care providers from throughout New Jersey that voluntarily participated in an on-line self-report survey. Information from providers who did not participate in the study may not be similar to the results described here. First, on a positive note, family child care providers reported being more actively engaged in training opportunities than they were in 2005, with 84 percent of providers attending more than two meetings or trainings related to their field each year. As the survey illustrates, most family child care providers are interested in continuing their professional development and expanding their child care capacities. Fourteen percent already hold a bachelor's degree and 2 percent have a masters degree, qualifying them to provide pre-kindergarten services. Family child care providers also continue to provide a variety of child care options to meet the diverse needs of New Jersey families, as was the case in 2005. In addition to the traditional full time care option, 61 percent of providers surveyed provide part-time care, 57 percent provide before- or after-school care, 27 percent provide drop-in care, 22 percent provide evening care, 12 percent provide over-night care, and 18 percent provide weekend care. Twenty percent of family child care homes also offer services on holidays. This flexibility is critical in a state where 63.3 percent of households with children under the age of 6 have all parents in the family working (US Census 2010). According to Tan Coelho, President of the Educational Association for Family Child Care Inc., "in these tough economic times, parents will use part-time care if they are laid-off to keep their options open to look for a new job themselves while ensuring a spot in the same family child care home." The study findings also highlight areas for further attention if the family child care system in New Jersey is to continue growing. The number of registered family child care providers in New Jersey has been steadily declining. Alarmingly, there was a 42% decrease in registered providers in NJ between 2001 and 2010, dropping from 4,689 to 2,719 over the past decade. In addition, survey respondents in 2011 represent an older population than providers surveyed in 2005, which is reflective of what is going on nationwide states Roselle B. Coye, president of the New Jersey Family Child Care Provider Association. In 2005, 27 percent of providers were between the ages of 50-64 and in 2011, 39 percent were 50-64, raising a concern that providers may age out of the profession. Low wages are a pervasive challenge in the child care field, and the 2011 survey documented how family child care homes across New Jersey also struggle with this issue. Survey responses from 2011 showed just a slight increase in income since 2005. Many family child care providers earn an income that falls below the 2010 federal poverty level of $18,310/year for one adult and two children, or $22,050/year for a family of four. Family child care providers also earn dramatically less than the state’s 2010 median household income of $67,681. Thirty-six percent of the 2011 respondents report pre-tax annual wages of less than $15,000 from their child care business, 61 percent earn under $23,000 and just 16 percent report business earnings over $31,000 each year. In the 2011 survey, respondents again revealed the main reasons they may stop providing care as low earnings (45 percent) and health issues (37 percent). Additionally, the lack of children requiring care (42 percent), absence of benefits (21 percent), and long hours (13 percent) were listed as important factors.
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Next Steps Families across the state rely on the availability of high quality, flexible, and diverse child care options. Our children, and their healthy development, depend on it. Since a significant number of New Jersey families select family child care to meet their child care needs, New Jersey’s policymakers must find a way to support the growth, preserve the quality, and nurture the development of the network of family child care providers. "In order to support the growth of the family child care profession, we need to create a positive environment of confidence and dedication among providers by increasing the bar of professionalism for this field" states Roselle B. Coye, president of the New Jersey Family Child Care Provider Association. Tan Coelho, president, Educational Association for Family Child Care Inc. also suggests raising awareness about the benefits of family child care such as the nurturing home setting and the consistency of the same provider/teacher for the child. NJACCRRA is committed to bringing the issues and concerns of family child care providers to the forefront of their advocacy efforts. As such, NJACCRRA will continue to advocate for:
Including family child care in the definition of early care and education options made available by the state;
Investing in the family child care provider workforce by providing targeted resources to help registered providers meet pre-kindergarten teacher education standards—and receive comparable wages to similarly educated school teachers;
Expanding resources and technical assistance to improve the content of early education services in family child care programs and help registered providers meet family child care accreditation standards;
Expanding the Strengthening Families Initiative to additional family child care homes;
Passing stand-alone legislation requiring that individuals who care for non-relative children in their home must have a fingerprint-based criminal background check;
Establishing a quality rating system to inform consumers and recognize and reward the quality of care provided in family child care homes; and
Collecting data and evaluating program quality and impact across settings to encourage ongoing program improvement.
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