A study of parental concerns regarding the care of school age children in Prince William County, Virginia

Abstract

This study investigated the concerns and opinions of parents regarding supplemental care for children in the kindergarten through fifth grade age group; recommendations of parents for the improvement of present and future child care in the communities; and the differences between the responses of the rural non-farm and urban parents.

Data obtained from the 213 questionnaires voluntarily completed by the parents of the rural non-farm and urban communities revealed that parents preferred home care by a relative or close neighbor; that quality of child care and quality of supervision were the two major factors to be considered when selecting child care services; and that 'after school' care was used more often than 'before school' care. Parent responses in both rural non-farm and urban areas were generally in agreement. Lack of transportation and 'after school' care programs in their communities were cited by parents as concerns.