Poster #89 - The Role of Focus Child Care Networks in Providing Support to Home-based Child Care Providers 

• In Event: Poster Session 13

Abstract

The Covid-19 pandemic instigated a cascade of stressors touching nearly every industry and aspect of daily-living, including home-based child care providers (HBCC). During this time, HBCCs and the children in their care may have experienced increase risk exacerbated by high pre-existing levels of physical and relational isolation (Bromer & Korfmacher, 2017;  Gerstenblatt et al., 2013; Porter & Bromer, 2020). For HBCCs, having their homes serve both as a living space and a workplace can further exacerbate stress levels (Gerstenblatt et al., 2013). Amidst these challenges, HBCCs are a vital sector of the early child care workforce. While HBCCs are the preferred child care choice by more linguistically and culturally diverse families (National Center on Early Childhood Quality Assurance, 2019), many HBCCs have limited access to support structures more prevalent among other types of providers (i.e., center-based care). Focused Child Care Networks (FCCN) are an intervention aimed at providing early learning educators (including HBCCs) professional development (e.g., discussing best practices, accessing and sharing resources, receiving training) and relational support opportunities (e.g., developing long-term professional and social relationships with a network coordinator and other providers) to improve the quality of their care (Bromer & Porter, 2017). High-quality child care supports early life experiences that are linked to lower internalizing and externalizing behaviors in childhood and later life (Bromer & Porter, 2017). The Current Study: Utilizing five focus groups among Spanish and English-speaking HBCCs across Oregon, this study explores the role of FCCN participation in the lived experiences of HBCCs. Research Question: What is the role of the FCCN in providing support to child care providers? Data Analysis Plan: To understand and describe child care provider experiences, the data are being analyzed using reflexive thematic analysis (Braun & Clarke, 2006) with Nvivo Pro 12 (QSR International, 2018). Preliminary Findings: Potential themes related to FCCN participation include cultural-linguistic differences in accessing system support and the need for more planful trainings aligned with FCCN and HBCCs goals and additional support for network leaders. 

Authors

• Asia Thogmartin, Oregon State University
  Presenting Author

• Esmeralda Janeth Julyan, Oregon State University - Corvallis

• Kimberley Banks, Oregon State University - Corvallis

• Ines de Pierola, Oregon State University - Corvallis

• Bridget E Hatfield, Oregon State University - Corvallis