A third source of evidence pertaining to structural and caregiver characteristics is the NICHD Study of Early Child Care (NICHD Early Child Care Research Network, 1999a). In that study, child:adult ratios were observed at regular intervals and caregivers reported their educational background and specialized training. Also shown are the percentage of classrooms in which caregivers had at least some college and specialized training. As indicated, 36 percent of the infant classrooms were observed to have the recommended child:adult ratios of 3:1. Fifty-six percent of caregivers in infant classrooms had received specialized training during the preceding year; 65 percent of infant caregivers had some college courses. Proportions were similar for toddler care (the 15- and 24-month-olds). When compared to figures reported in the Profile of Child Care Settings, the NICHD figures suggest that there has been some decline in the educational background and training of child care staff during the 1990s.

The decrease in caregiver education and training may be related to the generally low wages in the child care field (see Figure 3).

The percentage of center classrooms that met the AAP and APHA recommendations for child:adult ratio and group size is shown on Table 12

In 1997, child care teachers averaged $7.50–$ per hour, or $13,125–$18,988 per year, when they were employed for a 35-hour week and a 50-week year. 00 to $7.00 an hour (or $10,500–$12,250 per year). Lire la suite « Is There a Persuasive Economic Argument to Justify Public Intervention to Improve the Quality of Child Care? » →