How Contextual Constraints Affect Low-Income Working Parents' Child Care Choices

Child care is an important work support for parents, but also a critical venue for child development. The Urban Institute authored this report, which is a result of a multi-year qualitative study of families and communities looking at how low-income parents view the child care supply, find child care options, and have barriers to accessing care. Barriers cited include nonstandard employment schedules, inflexible employers, and unreliable transportation options. Authors conclude with recommendations for how to help promote child care choices for working parents.