In this report, we present a conceptual framework for how parents search for information about child care and early education (CCEE), consider information about and their options for CCEE, and select CCEE for their children. We also discuss how the search experience can vary from family to family, from parent to parent, and even from child to child within the same family. For example, we discuss factors that shape parents’ search for CCEE, including what can make the process more or less difficult to navigate.

The conceptual framework includes a visual that contains examples of ways parents may move through this process. Detailed examples and supporting research evidence are also included throughout the report. The examples show how parents may have different experiences, depending on their circumstances and the needs of their families.

Primary Goals of the Conceptual Framework

The conceptual framework is based on recent research on how parents search for, consider, and select CCEE with the goal of better understanding:

• the process that parents go through when looking for CCEE for their children
• that this process can be complex and can vary from family to family
• why and how parents search for CCEE
• the sources of information they use and the types of information they seek
• the actions parents take when considering options and selecting a CCEE provider
• which factors shape how parents search for, consider, and select CCEE
• which components of the process have strong evidence and which require more study to build a better understanding of how parents make informed choices about CCEE

Purpose

The conceptual framework is intended to serve as a guide for researchers, policymakers, and administrators who are studying, designing, and implementing strategies to help families find CCEE that meets their needs. This framework could help consumer education providers to assess how well the information, resources, and supports they offer address the three parts of the process: search, consider, and select.

Key Highlights

• The process consists of three main components that parents generally move through: “Search,” “Consider,” and “Select.” How and when parents go through the process may be different.
• The components of the process are not linear but can happen at the same time or be repeated.
• In the “Search” component, parents seek or receive information or advice about CCEE, starting with past experiences and knowledge. They seek or receive information and opinions from different sources and look for a variety of information about CCEE.
• In the “Consider” component, parents review information gathered about available providers and evaluate and compare options.
• In the “Select” component, parents make the decision about their child care. A parent may select a new provider, or they may decide to stay with their current provider, or choose to care for their own child at home.
• There are factors that can make it easier or harder to find information on CCEE, such as the availability of consumer education information in their state and local community and their receipt of relevant and timely resources and supports.
• There are factors that can make it easier or harder to find and select CCEE, including the local supply of quality CCEE, child care cost, and the availability and ease of obtaining child care subsidies.

Methods

The conceptual framework was developed based on recent evidence from the Consumer Education and Parental Choice in Early Care and Education Project and other recent studies (from 2010 to 2025) on this topic, continuous discussions with team members and internal consultants, and the guidance of external research and practice experts. These resources helped us to identify the key features of parents’ experiences finding CCEE and articulate several examples of how parents may go through the process.