AN ABSTRACT OF THE THESIS OF Janet R. Nutter for the Master of Science in Master Teacher, Early Childhood presented on May 6, 1994. Title: Family Child Care Providers in Kansas: A Descriptive Analysis of Training and Professional Orientation Abstract Approved: Three categories of family child care homes are regulated in the state of Kansas including licensed group, licensed family, and registered family. The Kansas Department of Health and Environment, which regulates child care facilities, does not require a minimal level of education for family child care providers. However, providers must obtain initial and on- going training in order to be licensed group or licensed family child care providers. Other than training in first aid, registered providers are not required to obtain training. However, education and training have been found to be associated with the quality of teacher behaviors, job satisfaction, and professional orientation. The purpose of this study was to gather descriptive information about family child care providers in Kansas. Specifically, the study focused on providers' perceived job role, satisfaction with their profession as a business, and professional orientation and training. Data was grouped by family child care category (licensed group, licensed family, and registered family) for analysis. Data was also grouped by the providers' level of education for further analysis.
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AN ABSTRACT OF THE THESIS OF
Janet R. Nutter for the Master of Science
in Master Teacher, Early Childhood presented on May 6, 1994.
Title: Family Child Care Providers in Kansas: A Descriptive
Analysis of Training and Professional Orientation
Abstract Approved: ~/gD.
Three categories of family child care homes are regulated in
the state of Kansas including licensed group, licensed family,
and registered family. The Kansas Department of Health and
Environment, which regulates child care facilities, does not
require a minimal level of education for family child care
providers. However, providers must obtain initial and on
going training in order to be licensed group or licensed
family child care providers. Other than training in first
aid, registered providers are not required to obtain training.
However, education and training have been found to be
associated with the quality of teacher behaviors, job
satisfaction, and professional orientation.
The purpose of this study was to gather descriptive
information about family child care providers in Kansas.
Specifically, the study focused on providers' perceived job
role, satisfaction with their profession as a business, and
professional orientation and training. Data was grouped by
family child care category (licensed group, licensed family,
and registered family) for analysis. Data was also grouped by
the providers' level of education for further analysis.
A random sample of five hundred providers were sent a
self-report questionnaire for data collection. The response
rate was 30%. Twenty hypothesis were tested.
Findings indicate that a) providers with different levels
of education did not provide child care services for the same
length of time, b) providers from the different categories of
regulated family child care were not similar in their
memberships in professional associations, and c) providers
from different categories of family child care did not obtain
similar training.
Recommendations were made that the Kansas Department of
Health and Environment require a course in child development
or early childhood education for all family child care
providers and that registered providers be required to obtain
training. In addition, a recommendation was made for further
research regarding family child care providers' role
perceptions.
FAMILY CHILD CARE PROVIDERS IN KANSAS:
A DESCRIPTIVE ANALYSIS OF TRAINING AND
PROFESSIONAL ORIENTATION
A Thesis
Presented to
the Division of Early Childhood
EMPORIA STATE UNIVERSITY
In Partial Fulfillment
of the Requirements for the Degree
Master Teacher, Early Childhood
by
Janet R. Nutter "
May 1994
~,f%U Approved for the Major Division
~l\-U~ Approved for the Graduate Council
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
I would like to thank Dr. Eileen Hogan, Dr. Brenda
Hudson, and Dr. Loren Tompkins for their guidance and
continued support throughout this project. I would also like
to express sincere gratitude to my husband, Steve, and
children, Jennifer and Kristen, for their support. This
project would never have been completed without their
collective encouragement.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
LIST OF TABLES .. . iv
CHAPTER 1. INTRODUCTION ... .1
Definitions. .6 Statement of the Problem .. .7 Purpose of Study . • ••••••.• 8 Research Questions . .9 Statement of Significance . • •• 9
2. REVIEW OF LITERATURE . · .10 Education, Training and Child Care Quality . · .10 Job Satisfaction . . 13 Professional Orientation . · 16 Summary ... • .20
APPENDICES . .87 A. Approval of Human Subjects Review .. .87 B. Letter to Providers . .89 C. Questionnaire . · .91 D. Family Child Care Provider Training by
Category 101 E. Family Child Care Provider Training by
Level of Education 111
ii
F. Family Child Care Providers' Responses to Business-Related Attitudes 121
G. Family Child Care Providers' Responses to Professional Attitudes 128
H. Family Child Care Providers' Responses to Training and Education Attitudes 131
I. Family Child Care Providers' Responses to Attitudes About Role and Responsibilities ..... 134
J. Family Child Care Providers' Responses to Attitudes About Motivation 137
K. Family Child Care Providers' Responses to General Job Satisfaction 140
iii
LIST OF TABLES
1. Family Child Care Providers by Category and Level of Education 35
2. Family Child Care Providers by Category and Sources of Information About Child Care 39
3. Family Child Care Providers by Level of Education and Sources of Information About Child Care 40
4. Family Child Care Providers' Responses to Training by Category and Knowledge Area 46
5. Family Child Care Providers' Responses to Training by Level of Education and Knowledge Area 53
iv
CHAPTER 1
Introduction
More than half (59.4%) of Kansas' children under the age
of six live in families where both parents work or where one
parent works in a single parent family (Kansas Action for
Children, Inc., 1994). Due to the high demand for child care
services, over 10,000 regulated child care centers and family
child care homes operate in Kansas.
Both child care centers and family child care homes are
regulated by the Kansas Department of Health and Environment.
The most obvious differences in the regulations between child
care centers and family child care homes include the number of
children in their care and the child care setting. Child care
centers in Kansas serve 13 or more children in a building
designated as a child care center. Family child care homes
serve 12 or fewer children usually in an individual's horne
(Kansas Department of Health and Environment, 1990a, 1990b).
Family child care homes are further regulated by size
into three different categories based upon the ages and number
of children in care. A licensed group child care horne with
one adult can care for up to twelve children over the age of
two and one-half. Licensed family child care providers may
care for up to ten children. Registered child care providers
may care for up to six children. To ensure that licensed
family child care homes and licensed group child care homes
are in compliance with laws and regulations, they are
1
2
inspected by the local licensing agency. Registered child
care providers complete a self-study for compliance with
regulations and do not receive an on-site inspection unless a
complaint is filed (Kansas Department of Health and
Environment, 1990c).
Licensed family child care providers in Kansas must
complete a minimal amount of training within 60 days of the
initial application for a license. Initial training
requirements for licensed family child care providers can be
met in a variety of ways including fifteen hours of directed
reading, attendance at meetings or conferences, or five
sessions of observations in other child care homes. Initial
training requirements for licensed group child care providers
includes five sessions of observations and ten hours of
directed reading, attendance at meetings or workshops.
Training content must be related to child care. First Aid is
the only topic specifically required for licensure.
Licensed family and licensed group child care providers
must also meet annual training requirements. Annual training
requirements for both licensed group and licensed family child
care providers can also be met in a variety of ways including
five hours of directed readings, attendance at meetings or
conferences. Registered child care providers are not required
to meet training requirements other than first aid.
Laws and regulations for child care are designed to
ensure that centers and homes meet at least a minimal level of
3
appropriate health and safety standards for young children.
However, regulations do not guarantee that children receive
high quality child care services. Most experts in the field
agree that lower child to adult ratios, lower numbers of
children in a group, more qualified personnel, the use of a
variety and types of materials, the use of effective behavior
management, communication and interaction techniques with the
children, and parent involvement in the program contribute to
higher quality child care centers and family child care
programs (Bredekamp, 1989; Phillips, 1987). These factors
have been incorporated into the National Association for the
Education of Young Children's Child Care Center Accreditation
program (NAEYC, 1984) and the Family Day Care Rating Scale
(Harms & Clifford, 1989). These instruments are commonly used
to assess child care program quality in the united States.
More specific to this study, education and training of
early childhood caregivers was found to be associated with the
quality of teacher behavior (Arnett, 1989; Berk, 1985; Bloom
Pence, A.R., & Goelman, H. (1987). Who cares for the child
in day care? An examination of caregivers from three
types of care. Early Childhood Research Quarterly, ~,
315-334.
Pence, A.R., & Goelman, H. (1991). The relationship of
regulation, training, and motivation to quality of care
in family day care. Child & Youth Care Quarterly, 20(2),
83-101.
Phillips, D.A. (Ed.) (1987). Quality in child care: What
does research tell us? Washington, DC: National
Association for the Education of Young Children.
Phillips, D.A., & Howes, C. (1987). Indicators of quality
child care: Review of research. In D. Phillips (Ed.),
Quality in child care: What does research tell us? (pp.
85
1-19). Washington, DC: National Association for the
Education of Young Children.
Phillips, D., Howes, C., & Whitebrook, M. (1991). Child
care as an adult work environment. Journal of Social
Issues, 47(2), 49-70.
Pope, S. & Stremmel, A.J. (1992). organizational climate and
job satisfaction among child care teachers. Child and
Youth Care Forum, 21(1) 39-52.
Powell, D.R., & Stremmel, A.J. (1989). The relation of
early childhood training and experience to the
professional development of child care workers. Early
Childhood Research Quarterly, ~, 339-355.
Rosenthal, M. (1991). Behaviors and beliefs of caregivers
in family day care: The effects of background and work
environment. Early Childhood Research Quarterly, 2., 263
283.
Stremmel, A.J. (1991). Predictors of intention to leave
child care work. Early Childhood Research Quarterly, 2.,
285-298.
Stremmel, A.J., & Powell, D.R. (1990). The relationship of
classroom-focused information and self-perceived
effectiveness to job satisfaction among child care
workers. Child & Youth Care Quarterly, 19(4), 239-250.
Strober, M.H., and Others. (1989, April). Child care
centers as workplaces. California: Stanford University
School of Education, Center for the Study of Families,
86
Children and Youth. Paper presented at the Annual
Meeting of the American Educational Research Association,
Boston, MA. (ERIC Document Reproduction Service No. ED
319 530)
U.S. Small Business Administration. (1990). Industry-small
business profile: Child day-care services. Manhattan,
KS: Small business Development Center, Kansas State
University.
Webb, N.C., & Lowther, M. (1990, November). Predictors of
child caregiver commitment. Paper presented at the
Annual Conference of the National Association for the
Education of Young Children, Washington, DC.
whitebrook, M., Howes, C., & Phillips, D. (1989). The
national child care staffing study: Executive summary.
Oakland, CA: child Care Employee Project.
L8
q~~EeseH s~~e~qns UEillnH JO lEAo~ddV
V XIGN3:ddV
EMPORIA STATE UNIVERSITY 1200 COMMERCIAL EMPORIA, KANSAS 66801-6087 3Ui{341-6361 RESEARCH AND GRANTS CENTER - Box 48
May 28, 1993
Janet Nutter 634 Washington Emporia, KS 66801
Dear Ms. Nutter:
The Institutional Review Board for Treatment of Human Subjects has evaluated your application for approval of human subject research entitled, II Family Child Care Providers in Kansas: A Descriptive Analysis of Training, Job Role and Satisfaction. II The review board approved your application which will allow you to begin your research with subjects as outlined in your application materials.
Best of luck in your proposed research project. If the review board can help you in any other way, don't hesitate to contact us.
Sincerely,
j 1\. U&> lA).R.J1Fay~ Vowell, Dean Office of Graduate Studies
and Research
FV:pf
cc: Eileen Hogan
BUSINESS' EOUCAT;QN • liBERAL ARTS AND SCIENCES' LIBRARY AND INFORMA':'ION MANAGEMENT AN EQUAL. OPPORTUNflY EMPlOYER
68
s~aP1AO~d O~ ~a~~a~
g XION3:ddV
90
July 6, 1993
Dear Family Child Care Provider:
As a graduate student in the Division of Early Childhood at Emporia State University, I am conducting research in the field of family child care. As a former family child care provider for eight years in Kansas, I know that the service you provide is important and beneficial to the children in your care and to your community. In order to help others understand family child care more fully, I am asking you to participate in this research study. In order for the results to have significance for the state of Kansas, eighty percent of the questionnaires must be returned. You are an important part of this study! I hope that you will choose to participate.
Enclosed you will find a questionnaire designed specifically for family child care providers in order to obtain information about job role, training, and providers' professional attitude towards their business. There are no right or wrong answers. Please answer the questions honestly from your point-of-view. All results will be reported as a group total; no individual results will be released. The questionnaire can be completed in approximately 15 minutes. Please complete the questionnaire and return it in the envelop enclosed BY JULY 23, 1993.
Again, I hope that you will choose to participate in this study. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me at the address and phone number listed below. A copy of the results will be made available to you upon request.
Sincerely,
Janet Nutter Eileen Hogan, Ph.D. 634 Washington Emporia State University Emporia, KS 66801 Division of Early Childhood
Chair, Thesis Committee (316) 343-3856
YOUR PARTICIPATION IS APPRECIATED!
16
e.;[""p?UUOT~san()
;) XIGNaddY
92
FAMILY CHILD CARE PROVIDER SURVEY
Please respond to the following questions and statements as honestly as possible, FROM YOUR POINT OF VIEW. Fill in the blank or circle your selection.
My county of residence is _
1. My child care home is:
Licensed Group Licensed Family Registered
2. I have been a family child care provider for years.
3. Please place an X next to the category which indicates your last completed grade
in school.
some high school
graduated high school or GED
some community college, vo-tech or university classes
completed one-year certificate in early childhood or _
completed associates degree in early childhood or _
completed bachelor degree in early childhood or _
completed masters degree in early childhood or _
other, please describe _
4. I belong to the following associations: (Check all that apply.)
Local Child Care Association
Child Care Providers Coalition of Kansas
Kansas Association for the Education of Young Children
Kansas Child Care Training Organization, Inc.
National Association for Family Day Care
National Association for the Education of Young Children
Other _
5. I provide care for children in the following age groups: (Check all that apply.)
Infant (Birth to 18 months)
Toddler (18 to 36 months)
93
Preschooler (3 years - school age)
School Age (Kindergarten and above)
6. The average length of stay for the children enrolled in my child care home is:
o to I year
I to 2 years
2 to 3 years
3 to 4 years
4 to 5 years
5 or more years
7. I get information that helps me as a child care provider from: (May check more
than one).
Books Local child care organizations
Magazines State child care organizations
Professional Joumals National child care
organizations
Videos Child care food program
Other child care providers Community organizations
Parents of the children in my care Local vo-tech or community
college
University program Kansas Child Care Training
Opportunities, Inc.
County extension office Other _
County health department
8. I spend the following number of hours PER WEEK on the different aspects of my job. For activities occurring less often than weekly, please estimate the time on a weekly basis: (Please complete all that apply).
Planning activities
Carrying out activities with the children and/or their families (including
field trips).
94
Set-up/clean-up for activities
Behavior management
Indoor and Outdoor supervision
Transporting children
Snack-meal preparation
Parent communication and discussions about children and/or program
Community relationships (including marketing, advertising)
Shopping for supplies/groceries
Overall cleaning/disinfections (including laundering associated with your
business)
Clerical (bookkeeping, food program and other paperwork)
Administration (organizing your program, space, supervision ofemployees,
Support system activities (including other providers, associations, etc.
related to your business activity)
Meeting your own needs (such as stress management)
Professional activities such as presentations, writing for newsletters or
journals, committees (responsibilities not intended for personal education
but which are business related)
Advocacy efforts (writing or speaking)
95
9. I have obtained training in small business skills in the following areas: (Check
all that apply.)
How to write parent-provider agreements.
How to record income and expenses (bookkeeping).
How to figure the cost of providing your child care services (how to set
your fee schedule).
Information about income tax reporting or preparation for family child
care providers.
Financial management and/or setting budgets for family child care.
Legal and/or liability issues for family child care providers, including
insurance.
Employer/employee relationships and related taxes.
Small business laws and regulations affecting family child care homes
(such as the American Disabilities Act).
Information about small business loans.
Advertising or marketing ideas for family child care homes.
10. I have received information on professional issues in the following areas:
(Check all that apply.)
Current legislative issues affecting young children and families.
Current legislative issues affecting family child care.
Current laws and regulations for family child care providers.
Community programs serving young children and families.
Your family's relationship with your family child care home.
Stress management for family child care providers.
Time management for family child care providers.
11. I have attended training about parent-provider relationships in the following areas:
(Check all that apply.)
Helping parents understand their child's growth and development.
How to include parents in your family child care program.
Ways to inform parents about their child's daily activities while they attend
96
your family child care program.
Ideas for talking with parents about their child's negative experiences (if
any) in your child care home.
Ideas for handling business relationships with parents (such as hours of
operation, fees, etc.)
Successful parent-provider relationships.
12. I have received training about child development in the following areas: (Check
all that apply.)
How infants ages birth to 1 1/2 grow and develop.
How toddlers ages 1 1/2 to 3 grow and develop.
How preschoolers ages 3 to 5 grow and develop.
How school age children ages 5 to 8 grow and develop.
Language development in young children birth to age 8.
How young children ages hirth to age 8 learn.
Theories of child development.
Positive guidance techniques (hehavior management) with young children.
13. I have attended training about curriculum in the following areas: (Check all that
apply).
Activities for school age children ages 5 to 8.
Activities for infants ages birth to I 112.
Activities for toddlers ages I 1/2 to 3.
Activities for preschoolers ages 3 to 5.
How to teach young children ages birth to age 8.
Developing math skills in young children birth to age 8.
Developing reading and writing skills in young children hirth to age 8.
Developing social skills in young children birth to age 8.
Art activities for young children birth to age 8.
Music for young children birth to age 8.
Games and physical fitness for young children birth to age 8.
Gross motor activities for young children birth to age 8.
97
Fine motor activities for young children birth to age 8.
How to choose appropriate toys for young children birth to age 8.
14. 1 have obtained information about young children's learning environment in the
following areas: (Check all that apply.)
Developmentally appropriate practices.
How to prepare a learning program for young children birth to age 8.
How to arrange my home for child care.
How to use learning centers with young children birth to age 8.
The importance of play for young children.
15. I have received training about how to meet each child's needs in the following
areas: (Check all that apply.)
How to observe children's play.
How to record children's growth and development.
When to refer a child for special services.
How to recognize child abuse and neglect.
How to report child abuse and neglect.
Cultural awareness for young children birth to age 8.
Encouraging self-esteem and helping young children learn skills that
encourage independence.
16. I have obtained training about health and safety for young children on the
following topics : (Check all that apply.)
Factors that influence the health of young children.
How to plan a nutritious menu.
How to prepare and serve food safely.
First aid training for young children birth to age 8.
Symptoms of illness in young children birth to age 8.
Factors that influence the safety of young children birth to age 8.
Fire safety.
98
For the following questions, please circle the number which best indicates how you feel or believe about each statement.
17. I believ1 agree
e that my child care 2
somewhat agree 4
somewhat disagree
home is a business. 3
neutral 5
disagree
18. I believ1 agree
e family child care p2
somewhat agree
roviders are professionals. 3
neutral 4
somewhat disagree 5
disagree
19. I feel t1 agree
hat parents treat me like a professional. 2
somewhat agree 3
neutral 4
somewhat disagree 5
disagree
20. I am sa1 agree
tisfied with my caree2
somewhat agree
r because I o3
neutral
perate my own business. 4
somewhat disagree 5
disagree
21 . I believe that a professional attitude about my job helps me to be more successful in my family child care business. I 2 3 4 5 agree somewhat agree neutral somewhat disagree disagree
22. I believe that I am in control of all decisions about my family child care home business. 1 2 3 4 5 agree somewhat agree neutral somewhat disagree disagree
23. I believe that too much is expected from family child care providers. I 2 3 4 5 agree somewhat agree neutral somewhat disagree disagree
24. I believe that family child care providers must be self-motivated. I 2 3 4 5 agree somewhat agree neutral somewhat disagree disagree
25. I believe that other people see family child care providers as professionals. 1 2 3 4 5 agree somewhat agree neutral somewhat disagree disagree
26. I believe that I am more like a mother than a teacher to the children in my care. I 2 3 4 5 agree somewhat agree neutral somewhat disagree disagree
99
27. I enjoy the caregiving aspects of being a family child care provider more than the teaching aspects. I 2 3 4 5 agree somewhat agree neutral somewhat disagree disagree
28. I believe that the business aspect of family child care should be emphasized to parents. I 2 3 4 5 agree somewhat agree neutral somewhat disagree disagree
29. I feel that it is important to be able to tell parents exactly what services I offer for the young children in my care. I 2 3 4 5 agree somewhat agree neutral somewhat disagree disagree
30. I believe that my primary responsibility is to the children. 1 2 3 4 5 agree somewhat agree neutral somewhat disagree disagree
31. I believe that my primary responsibility is to the parents. I 2 3 4 5 agree somewhat agree neutral somewhat disagree disagree
32. I believe that parents should come to my home for a personal interview before they enroll their child(ren). I 2 3 4 5 agree somewhat agree neutral somewhat disagree disagree
33. I believe that written parent-provider agreements help establish long-term, consistent parent relationships. I 2 3 4 5 agree somewhat agree neutral somewhat disagree disagree
34. I believe that it is good business practice to hire an assistant or substitute on a part-time basis so that I can take care of my personal needs. 1 2 3 4 5 agree somewhat agree neutral somewhat disagree disagree
35. I feel that family child care providers need special training before they open their child care business. I 2 3 4 5 agree somewhat agree neutral somewhat disagree disagree
100
36. I believe that attending a variety of training opportunities, including business skills, is necessary. I 2 3 4 5 agree somewhat agree neutral somewhat disagree disagree
37. I believe that formal education that is related to my career helps me perform my job in a more professional manner. I 2 3 4 5 agree somewhat agree neutral somewhat disagree disagree
38. I believe that I should take time to reflect upon my family child care business practices and make necessary changes to be more effective in my job. I 2 3 4 5 agree somewhat agree neutral somewhat disagree disagree
39. I feel that I should set goals to improve my family child care business. I 2 345 agree somewhat agree neutral somewhat disagree disagree
40. I believe that my career provides interesting work. I 2 3 4 5 agree somewhat agree neutral somewhat disagree disagree
41. I believe that my career provides challenging work. I 2 3 4 agree somewhat agree neutral somewhat disagree
5 disagree
42. I am satisfied with my career as a family child care provider. I 2 3 4 agree somewhat agree neutral somewhat disagree
5 disagree
101
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102
Table D-1
Family Child Care Providers by Category And Training Attended
in Business Skills
Licensed Licensed Group Family Registered Total
Skill ( %) (%) (%) (%)
n = 23 n = 78 n = 50 N. = 151
Writing
Agreements 69.6 56.4 38.0 52.3
Bookkeeping 73.9 79.5 56.0 70.9
Cost of
Services 52.2 51. 3 40.0 47.7
Income Taxes 60.9 73.1 54.0 64.9
Finances 43.5 34.6 24.0 32.5
Legal Issues 56.5 44.9 34.0 43.0
Employer/
Employees 26.1 24.4 18.0 22.5
Business Law 26.1 25.6 20.0 23.8
Business
Loans 13.0 11. 5 8.0 10.6
Marketing 30.4 24.4 10.0 20.5
103
Table D-2
Family Child Care Providers by Category And Training Attended
in Professional Issues
Licensed Licensed Group Family Registered Total
Skill ( %) ( %) ( %) ( %)
n = 23 n = 78 n = 50 N = 151
Family
Legislation 52.2 26.9 28.0 31.1
Child Care
Legislation 43.5 28.2 38.0 33.8
Child Care
Regulation 65.2 56.4 66.0 60.9
Community
Programs 56.5 61. 5 40.0 53.6
Own Family
& Child Care 52.2 26.9 24.0 29.8
Managing
Stress 52.2 38.5 32.0 38.4
Managing
Time 56.5 29.5 30.0 33.8
104
Table 0-3
Family Child Care Providers by Category And Training Attended
in Parent-Provider Relationships
Licensed Licensed Group Family Registered Total
Skill ( %) ( %) ( %) (% )
n = 23 n = 78 n = 50 H = 151
Parents &
Child Oev. 56.5 35.9 18.0 33.1
Parent
Involvement 52.2 38.5 18.0 33.8
Parent
Communication 78.3 44.9 32.0 45.7
Negative
Communication 56.5 39.7 34.0 40.4
Parent Business
Relationships 52.2 41.0 28.0 38.4
Successful
Relationships 56.5 42.3 22.0 37.7
105
Table D-4
Family Child Care Providers by Category And Training Attended
in Child Development
Licensed Licensed Group Family Registered Total
Skill ( %) ( %) ( %) ( %)
n = 23 n = 78 n = 50 N = 151
Infant Dev. 60.9 66.7 62.0 64.2
Toddler Dev. 65.2 62.8 70.0 65.6
Preschool-age
Development 73.9 61.5 64.0 64.2
School-age
Development 69.6 55.1 52.0 56.3
Language Dev. 65.2 46.2 38.0 46.4
Young Child
Learning 69.6 48.7 38.0 48.3
Theories of
Development 56.5 46.2 30.0 42.4
positive
Guidance 87.0 67.9 60.0 68.2
106
Table D-4 continued
Family Child Care Providers by Category And Training Attended
in child Development
Licensed Licensed Group Family Registered Total
Skill (% ) ( %) ( %) ( %)
n = 23 n = 78 n = 50 N. = 151
School-Age
Activities 65.2 51. 3 34.0 47.7
Infant
Activities 52.2 42.3 38.0 42.4
Toddler
Activities 60.9 52.6 46.0 51. 7
Preschool-age
Activities 69.6 56.4 40.0 53.0
Teaching Young
Children 56.5 33.3 30.0 35.8
Developing
Math Skills 30.4 17.9 20.0 20.5
Developing
Literacy 43.5 25.6 24.0 27.8
107
Table D-4 continued
Family Child Care Providers by Category And Training Attended
in Child Development
Licensed Licensed Group Family Registered Total
Skill ( %) ( %) ( %) ( %)
n = 23 n = 78 n = 50 N= 151
Developing
Social Skills 47.8 33.3 38.0 37.1
Art Activities 73.9 53.8 32.0 49.7
Music
Activities 52.2 39.7 22.0 35.8
Garnes/Physical
Activities 69.6 44.9 32.0 44.4
Gross Motor
Development 69.6 38.5 32.0 41.1
Fine Motor
Development 69.6 33.3 30.0 37.7
Choosing Toys 73.9 56.4 34.0 51. 7
108
Table D-5
Family Child Care Providers by Category And Training Attended
in Learning Environments
Licensed Licensed Group Family Registered Total
Skill ( %) ( %) ( %) ( %)
n = 23 n = 78 n = 50 N = 151
Developmentally
Appropriate
Practices 60.9 41.0 44.0 45.0
Learning
Programs 47.8 23.1 32.0 29.8
Arranging the
Home for care 82.6 66.7 58.0 66.2
Using learning
centers 47.8 23.1 26.0 27.8
Play 87.0 74.4 66.0 73.5
109
Table D-6
Family Child Care Providers by Category And Training Attended
in Meeting Each Child's Needs
Licensed Licensed Group Family Registered Total
Skill ( %) ( %) ( %) ( %)
n = 23 n = 78 n = 50 H = 151
Observing 65.2 39.7 36.0 42.4
Recording
Development 39.1 16.7 20.0 21.2
Referring for
Services 43.5 30.8 30.0 32.5
Recognizing
Abuse 73.9 69.2 50.0 63.6
Reporting
Abuse 69.6 64.1 48.0 59.6
Cultural
Awareness 34.8 19.2 16.0 20.5
Encouraging
Independence/
Self Esteem 69.6 59.0 58.0 60.3
110
Table 0-7
Family Child Care Providers by Category And Training Attended
in Health and Safety
Licensed Licensed Group Family Registered Total
Skill ( %) ( %) ( %) ( %)
n = 23 n = 78 n = 50 N = 151
Health
Factors 69.6 57.7 42.0 54.3
Nutrition 91. 3 91.0 84.0 88.7
Preparing
Food Safely 91.3 85.9 76.0 83.4
First Aid 87.0 92.3 86.0 89.4
Symptoms of
Illness 78.3 74.4 54.0 68.2
Safety
Factors 65.2 65.4 42.0 57.6
Fire Safety 91. 3 89.7 72.0 84.1
TTT
U01~E~np~ JO 1aAa~ Aq 6U1U1E~~ a~EJ P11QJ A11illE~
~ XIaN~ddY
112
Table E-l
Family child Care Providers by Level of Education and Training
Attended in Business Skills
No-Post Some Post Formal Secondary Secondary Degree Total
Skill ( %) ( %) (% ) (%)
n = 50 n = 75 n = 26 N = 151
writing
Agreements 52.0 50.7 57.7 52.3
Bookkeeping 64.0 72.0 80.7 70.9
Cost of
Services 52.0 46.7 42.3 47.7
Income Taxes 54.0 66.7 80.7 64.9
Finances 32.0 33.3 30.8 32.5
Legal Issues 38.0 46.7 42.3 43.0
Employer/
Employees 14.0 26.7 26.9 22.5
Business Law 14.0 32.0 19.2 23.8
Business
Loans 6.0 13.3 11. 5 10.6
Marketing 12.0 25.3 23.1 20.5
113
Table E-2
Family Child Care Providers by Level of Education And Training
Attended in Professional Issues
No Post Some Post Formal Secondary Secondary Degree Total
Skill ( %) (% ) ( %) ( %)
n = 50 n = 75 n = 26 N = 151
Family
Legislation 24.0 37.3 26.9 31.1
Child Care
Legislation 28.0 41.3 23.1 33.8
Child Care
Regulation 56.0 62.7 65.4 60.9
community
Programs 46.0 57.3 57.7 53.6
Own Family
& Child Care 26.0 34.7 23.1 29.8
Managing
Stress 28.0 42.7 46.2 38.4
Managing
Time 22.0 40.0 38.5 33.8
114
~ ~ Table E-3
Family Child Care Providers by Level of Education And Training
Attended in Parent-Provider Relationships
No Post Some Post Formal Secondary Secondary Degree Total
Skill ( %) ( %) (%) ( %)
n = 50 n = 75 n = 26 N = 151
Parents &
Child Dev. 26.0 36.0 38.5 33.1
Parent
Involvement 32.0 37.3 26.9 33.8
Parent
Communication 42.0 45.3 53.8 45.7
Negative
Communication 36.0 41.3 46.2 40.4
Parent Business
Relationships 32.0 37.3 53.8 38.4
Successful
Relationships 38.0 40.0 30.8 37.7
115
Table E-4
Family Child Care Providers by Level of Education And Training
Attended in Child Development
No Post Some Post Formal Secondary Secondary Degree Total
Skill ( %) ( %) ( %) ( %)
n = 50 n = 75 n = 26 Ii = 151
Infant Dev. 62.0 58.7 84.6 64.2
Toddler Dev. 66.0 57.3 88.5 65.6
Preschool-age
Development 60.0 58.7 88.5 64.2
School-age
Development 52.0 48.0 88.5 56.3
Language Dev. 36.0 44.0 73.1 46.4
Young Child
Learning 40.0 42.7 80.8 48.3
Theories of
Development 30.0 41.3 69.2 42.4
positive
Guidance 68.0 62.7 84.6 68.2
116
Table E-4 continued
Family Child Care Providers by Level of Education And Training
Attended in Child Development
No Post Some Post Formal Secondary Secondary Degree Total
Skill ( %) (%) (%) (%)
n = 50 n = 75 n = 26 N. = 151
School-Age
Activities 42.0 46.7 61. 5 47.7
Infant
Activities 42.0 38.7 53.8 42.4
Toddler
Activities 50.0 50.7 57.7 51.7
Preschool-age
Activities 44.0 54.7 65.4 53.0
Teaching Young
Children 32.0 32.0 53.8 35.8
Developing
Math Skills 4.0 24.0 42.3 20.5
Developing
Literacy 14.0 29.3 50.0 27.8
117
Table E-4 continued
Family Child Care Providers by Level of Education And Training
Attended in Child Development
No Post Some Post Formal Secondary Secondary Degree Total
Skill (% ) (% ) ( %) ( %)
n = 50 n = 75 n = 26 N = 151
Developing
Social Skills 30.0 33.3 61. 5 37.1
Art Activities 42.0 49.3 65.4 49.7
Music
Activities 32.0 33.3 50.0 35.8
Garnes/Physical
Activities 36.0 42.7 65.4 44.4
Gross Motor
Development 32.0 40.0 61. 5 41.1
Fine Motor
Development 34.0 33.3 57.7 37.7
Choosing Toys 44.0 53.3 61. 5 51.7
118
Table E-5
Family child Care Providers by Level of Education And Training
Attended in Learning Environments
No Post Some Post Formal Secondary Secondary Degree Total
Skill (% ) (% ) (%) (%)
n = 50 n = 75 n = 26 N. = 151
Developmentally
Appropriate
Practices 40.0 41. 3 65.4 45.0
Learning
Programs 22.0 26.7 53.8 29.8
Arranging the
Home for care 74.0 60.0 69.2 66.2
Using learning
centers 26.0 28.0 30.8 27.8
Play 76.0 69.3 80.8 73.5
119
Table E-6
Family Child Care Providers by Level of Education And Training
Attended in Meeting Each child's Needs
No Post Some Post Formal Secondary Secondary Degree Total
Skill ( %) ( %) (%) (%)
n = 50 n = 75 n = 26 N. = 151
Observing 40.0 40.0 53.8 42.4
Recording
Development 12.0 22.7 34.6 21. 2
Referring for
Services 30.0 34.7 30.8 32.5
Recognizing
Abuse 70.0 57.3 69.2 63.6
Reporting
Abuse 62.0 54.7 69.2 59.6
Cultural
Awareness 12.0 20.0 38.5 20.5
Encouraging
Independence/
Self Esteem 62.0 54.7 73.1 60.3
120
Table E-7
Family Child Care Providers by Level of Education And Training
Attended in Health and Safety
No Post Some Post Formal Secondary Secondary Degree Total
Skill ( %) ( %) ( %) ( %)
n = 50 n = 75 n = 26 N = 151
Health
Factors 40.0 56.0 76.9 54.3
Nutrition 88.0 86.7 96.2 88.7
Preparing
Food Safely 84.0 78.7 96.2 83.4
First Aid 86.0 89.3 96.2 89.4
Symptoms of
Illness 66.0 66.7 76.9 68.2
Safety
Factors 44.0 57.3 84.6 57.6
Fire Safety 78.0 82.7 100.0 84.1
APPENDIX F
Family Child Care Providers' Responses to
Business-Related Attitudes
121
122
Table F-1
Family Child Care Providers' Responses To Business-Related
Attitudes By Category
Licensed Licensed Group Family Registered
n = 23 n = 78 n = 50
I believe that my child care homes is a business.
x 1. 57 1. 28 1. 46
SD 1. 08 0.60 1.01
I believe that I should take time to reflect upon my family
child care business practices and make necessary changes to be
more effective in my job.
x 1. 48 1. 60 1. 62
SD 0.90 0.92 0.92
I feel that I should set goals to improve my family child care
business.
x 1.52 1. 55 1. 55
SD 0.79 1. 03 1.03
*12 < .05. **12 < .01.
123
Table F-1 continued
Family Child Care Providers' Responses To Business-Related
Attitudes By Category
Licensed Licensed Group Family Registered
n = 23 n = 78 n = 50
I believe that it is good business practice to hire an
assistant or sUbstitute on a part-time basis so that I can
take care of my personal needs.
x 1.83 2.80 2.50*
so 1.15 1. 38 1. 27
I believe the business aspects of family child care should be
emphasized to parents.
x 2.00 1.83 1.96
so 1. 35 1.01 1.03
I believe that written parent-provider agreements help
Family Child Care Providers' Responses To Business-Related
Attitudes By Level of Education
High Some Post Bachelor School Secondary Degree
n = 45 n = 70 n = 23
I believe that parents should corne to my horne for a personal
interview before they enroll their children.
x 1. 04 1.11 1.22*
SD 0.21 0.44 0.52
I feel that it is important to be able to tell parents exactly
what services I offer for the young children in my care.
x 1. 07 1.19 1. 22
SD 0.39 .052 0.42
I am satisfied with my career because I operate my own
business.
x 1.47 1. 76 1. 61
SD 0.89 0.89 0.84
*12. < .05.
APPENDIX G
Family Child Care Providers' Responses to
Professional Attitudes
128
129
Table G-1
Family Child Care Providers' Responses To Professional
Attitudes By Category
Licensed Licensed Group Family Registered
n = 23 n = 78 n = 50
I believe family child care providers are professionals.
x 1.35 1. 29 1. 44
so 0.78 0.63 0.76
I believe that a professional attitude about my job helps me
to be more successful in my family child care business.
x 1.39 1. 40 1.60
so 0.94 0.81 0.81
I feel that parents treat me like a professional.
x 2.13 2.22 2.08
so 1.18 1.17 1.10
I believe that other people see family child care providers as
professionals.
x 2.78 3.13 2.98
so 1. 35 1. 33 1. 22
I
130
Table G-2
Family Child Care Providers' Responses To Professional
Attitudes By Level of Education
High Some Post Bachelor's School Secondary Degree
n = 45 n = 70 n = 23
I believe family child care providers are professionals.
x 1. 33 1. 40 1. 35
SD 0.74 0.73 0.65
I believe that a professional attitude about my job helps me
to be more successful in my family child care business.
x 1. 38 1. 53 1. 39
SD 0.68 0.91 0.58
I feel that parents treat me like a professional.
x 2.27 2.29 1.83
SD 1.40 1.05 0.78
believe that other people see family child care providers as
professionals.
2.73 3.11* 3.74**
SD 1.45 1. 22 0.86
*12 < .05. **12 < .01.
x
APPENDIX H
Family Child Care Providers' Responses to
Training and Education Attitudes
131
132
Table H-1
Family Child Care Providers' Responses To Training and
Education By Category
Licensed Licensed Group Family Registered
n = 23 n = 78 n = 50
I feel that family child care providers need special training
before they open their child care business.
x 1. 87 2.19 2.20
SD 1.10 1. 20 1.12
I believe that attending a variety of training opportunities,
including business skills, is necessary.
x 1. 87 1.94* 2.46*
SD 0.92 1.13 1. 05
I feel that formal education that is related to my career
helps me perform my job in a more professional manner.
x 2.09 2.35 2.38
SD 1. 04 1. 34 1.24
*I! < .05
133
Table H-2
Family Child Care Providers' Responses To Training and
Education By Level of Education
High Some Post Bachelor's School Secondary Degree
n = 45 n = 70 n = 23
I feel that family child care providers need special training
before they open their child care business.
x 2.31 2.03 2.09
SD 1.15 1. 05 1.00
I believe that attending a variety of training opportunities,
including business skills, is necessary.
x 2.31 2.03 2.09
SD 1.15 1. 05 1. 00
I believe that formal education that is related to my career
helps me perform my job in a more professional manner.
x 2.64 2.46** 1.65**
SD 1. 35 1. 20 1.11
*p < .05. **p < .01.
APPENDIX I
Family Child Care Providers' Responses to
Attitudes About Role and Responsibilities
134
135
Table 1-1
Family Child Care Providers' Responses To Attitudes About Role
and Responsibilities By Category
Licensed Licensed Group Family Registered
n = 23 n = 78 n = 50
I enjoy the caregiving aspects of being a family child care
provider more that the teaching aspects.
x 2.20 1. 85 1.94
SD 1.04 0.97 1.04
I believe that I am more like a mother than a teacher to the
children in my care.
x 1. 83 1.60 1.76
SD 0.89 0.96 0.89
I believe that my primary responsibility is to the children.
x 1.09 1. 04 1.08
SD 0.29 0.25 0.34
I believe that my primary responsibility is to the parents.
x 2.43 2.58 2.40
SD 1. 08 1.11 1.14
136
Table 1-2
Family Child Care Providers' Responses To Attitudes Toward
Role and Responsibilities By Level of Education
High Some Post Bachelor's School Secondary Degree
n = 45 n = 70 n = 23
I enjoy the caregiving aspects of being a family child care
provider more than the teaching aspects.
x 1.58* 1.97** 2.65**
SD 0.94 0.98 0.88
I believe that I am more like a mother than a teacher to the
children in my care.
x 1. 56 1.71 2.00
SD 0.92 0.90 1.04
I believe that my primary responsibility is to the children.
x 1.02 1. 09 1.04
SD 0.15 0.37 0.21
I believe that my primary responsibility is to the parents.
x 2.29 2.56 2.74
SD 1.25 1.15 0.92
*p < .05. **p < .01.
APPENDIX J
Family child Care Providers' Responses to
Attitudes About Motivation
137
I
138
Table J-1
Family Child Care Providers' Responses To Attitudes About
Motivation By Category
Licensed Licensed Group Family Registered
n = 23 n = 78 n = 50
I believe that I am in control of all decisions about my
family child care home business.
x 2.00 1.88 1. 68
SD 1.17 1.13 0.89
I believe that family child care providers must be self-
motivated.
X 1.13 1.12 1.12
SD 0.46 0.41 0.44
believe that too much is expected from family child care
providers.
-X 2.43 2.38 2.18
SD 1.44 1. 34 1.10
*p < .05
139
Table J-2
Family Child Care Providers' Responses To Attitudes Toward
Motivation By Level of Education
High Some Post Bachelor's School Secondary Degree
n = 45 n = 70 n = 23
I believe that I am in control of all decisions about my
family child care home business.
x 1. 80 1.73* 2.30
SD 1.16 0.90 1.18
I believe that family child care providers must be self-
motivated.
x 1.09 1.13 1.13
SD 0.47 0.41 1. 34
I believe that too much is expected from family child care
providers.
x 2.18 2.33 2.70
SD 1. 27 1. 27 1. 36
*p < .05.
APPENDIX K
Family Child Care Providers' Responses to
General Job satisfaction
140
141
Table K-1
Family Child Care Providers' Responses To Job satisfaction By
Category
Licensed Licensed Group Family Registered
n = 23 n = 78 n = 50
I believe that my
-X
career providers interesting work.
1.09** 1.63 1.64**
SD 0.29 0.88 0.72
I believe that my career provides challenging work.
X 1.04 1.23 1.32
SD 0.21 0.53 0.68
I am satisfied with my career as a
-X 1. 26
family child care provider.
1.67 1.50
SD 0.54 1.00 0.86
*l2. < .05 **l2. < .01
142
Table K-2
Family Child Care Providers' Responses To Job Satisfaction By
Level of Education
High Some Post Bachelor's School Secondary Degree
n = 45 n = 70 n = 23
I believe that my career provides interesting work.
X 1.31** 1. 73 1.70*
SO 0.63 0.88 1. 76
I believe that my career provides challenging work.
X 1.16 1.29 1. 30
SO 0.42 0.68 1. 47
I am satisfied with my career as a family child care provider.
X 1. 38 1. 66 1. 74
SO 0.75 0.90 1. 29
*p < .05. **p < .01
Date
Family Child Care Providers in Kansas: A Descriptive Analysis of Training and
/Ji'
."
staff Member
,~~~<..M:\ ~
S-2- q'-/
~rf JAlttbAJ ture I
Date Received'
Signature of
Professional orientation
I, Janet R. Nutter ,hereby submit this thesis/report to Emporia state University as partial fulfillment of the requirements for an advanced degree. I agree that the Library of the University may make it available for use in accordance with its regulations governing materials of this type. I further agree that quoting, photocopying, or other reproduction of this document is allowed for private study, scholarship (including teaching) and research purposes of a nonprofit nature. No copying which involves potential financial gain will be allowed without written permission of the author.