Research Report Child Care Instability: Definitions, Context, and Policy Implications
Gina Adams, Monica H. Rohacek
Display Date
File
File
Download Report
(468.06 KB)

Child care instability affects children’s development, parents’ employment, and family stability. This report describes why it matters, discusses definitional and measurement challenges, provides a framework to examine links between instability in child care and family domains, and examines the causes of instability (including child care subsidy policy and practice). Findings suggest that policies supporting stability in child care could interrupt the cascading effect of instability in other domains. Policy strategies to improve the Child Care and Development Fund/Child Care and Development Block Grant, such as funding, voucher flexibility, eligibility, quality of care, and referral systems, are examined.

Research Areas Social safety net Children and youth
Tags Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) Welfare and safety net programs Child care Economic well-being Kids in context
Policy Centers Center on Labor, Human Services, and Population