Study Shows Public Funding Contributes to Family Success

Chatsworth, CA, January 29, 2010 --(PR.com)-- A new study released by the Child Care Resource Center (CCRC) examines the vital importance of child care subsidies for families and their communities. The report, funded by the California Department of Education, illustrates that publicly funded programs allow lower income parents to work and contribute to the economic stability of their family and community while fostering important child outcomes such as school readiness.

This supports President Obama's proposal to nearly double the child care tax credit for families earning less than $85,000 - a proposal that would lower taxes families owe to the government. This is good news for California's working families who often struggle to afford safe housing, quality child care and nutritious meals.

The quasi-experimental study was conducted by examining two groups - those waiting to receive help paying for child care and those already receiving financial assistance. Sample group participants represent families in Northern Los Angeles County and the study results indicate statistically significant differences between the two groups. Dr. Susan Savage, Director of Research for the Child Care Resource Center, says, "Positive impacts are seen in economic and social stability, as well as child development outcomes. This confirms what we have always believed - subsidized child care programs provide opportunities for families that would not otherwise have been possible."

Although still low income, having their child care paid for allows families to find and retain employment, be the kind of parent they want to be, and helps their children become better prepared to enter school. One participating parent relates, “I was able to find a job and keep it. My family benefits because it helps in extending the education of our children, better prepares them for school, and prevents financial hardship for us.”

The bottom line is that subsidized child care positively impacts the economic, social and child development domains of the lives of 25,000 children served in CCRC’s programs as well as families across the United States.

For a copy of this report or for more information, please contact:

Susan L. Savage, PhD
Director of Research
Child Care Resource Center
ssavage@ccrcla.org
818.717.1040

About CCRC:
The Child Care Resource Center is a private non-profit agency dedicated to the promotion of higher standards in child care and early education. For more than 30 years, CCRC’s mission has been guided by the belief that our social and economic future depends on the quality of a young child’s experiences. IRS Tax ID 95-3081695

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