Introduction
Research Questions
- For households that report conducting a recent search for CCEE, is it possible to identify common search types based on sources of information used?
- To what extent are search types associated with the reported content of search?
- To what extent are search types associated with family and child characteristics?
Many families use nonparental child care for their children on a regular basis. There are many sources of information families may use in searching for child care and early education (CCEE). Families may seek advice from friends and family with children, conduct an internet search, or contact their local child care Resource and Referral agency (CCR&R), among other methods.
Researchers have documented different sources families use to search for CCEE. This secondary data analysis brief uses household survey data from the 2019 National Survey of Early Care and Education (NSECE) to explore patterns of CCEE “search types,” and the association between search types, content of the search, and family and child characteristics.
Purpose
This secondary data analysis brief was developed as part of the Consumer Education and Parental Choice in Early Care and Education project. This brief summarizes the approach and findings of a secondary data analysis using the 2019 NSECE to identify CCEE search types based on the sources of information families reported using in a recent CCEE search. The brief identifies key findings and areas for future research.
Key Findings and Highlights
Five common search types were identified.
Five search types were identified based on families’ use of up to two sources of information in their search for CCEE.
In each of the five search types, one primary source of information was used by almost all families, often in combination with a second source that was also used by a large proportion of families.
Search Type 1 (6% of sample). Top 2 sources: CCR&R or friends/family
Search Type 2 (28% of sample). Top 2 sources: Internet search or social media
Search Type 3 (8% of sample). Top 2 sources: CCEE providers the family knew or friends/family
Search Type 4 (20% of sample). Top 2 sources: Social media or friends/family
Search Type 5 (37% of sample). Top 2 sources: Friends/family or internet search
Search types varied by whether families were looking for information on types of care.
Families were asked whether they were looking for any of the following types of information in their search: type of care, hours of care, fees charged, geographic location, content of program, services provided, and curriculum/philosophy.
Families in a search type primarily using CCR&Rs or friends and family were more likely to be looking for information about type of care compared to families in a search type primarily using an internet search or friends and family.
Families in a search type using internet searches or social media were less likely to be looking for information about types of care.
Search types varied based on whether the search was for a child with a condition that affects the way care is provided.
Families in search types using CCR&Rs, friends and family, or known providers were more likely to be conducting a search for a child with a condition that affects how care is provided.
Search types varied by geographical regions in which searches took place.
The search type where families primarily used providers they already knew or friends and family was associated with living in the Western United States, while the search type where families primarily sought information from friends and family or internet searches was associated with living in the Northeast.
We did not find evidence of a relationship between search types and most categories of types of information families were looking for, and many child and family characteristics, including household language, income, and parental work status.
Methods
The secondary data analysis uses the 2019 NSECE to conduct an exploratory study using Latent Class Analysis (LCA) to identify distinct CCEE search types based on the sources of information families reported using during their most recent search. After using LCA to identify search types, regression analyses were used to explore whether search types varied based on content of search and on family or child characteristics.
Citation
Kabourek, Sarah. 2024. “Exploring Child Care and Early Education “Search Types”: Evidence from the 2019 National Survey of Early Care and Education.” OPRE Report #2024-108. Washington, DC: Office of Planning, Research, and Evaluation, Administration for Children and Families, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.