Predictors of Provider Participation in the Childcare Subsidy System: Insights From a Nationally Representative Sample

• In Event: Issues in Childcare and Early Education in the United States

Abstract

Our study provides essential insight into the predictors of childcare subsidy system participation as the number of providers that serve low-income children receiving subsidies continues to decline. Using the most recent nationally representative sample of center-based providers available, the National Survey of Early Care and Education (NSECE; 2012), we identify important features of programs and communities that are related to providing early care and education to children receiving subsidies. In particular, our findings suggest the program’s funding structure is important and, specifically, that the reliance on a variety of sources of public and private revenue appear to be significant predictors of subsidy system participation. Our findings can inform policies and supports that could incentivize provider subsidy system participation.

Authors

• Gerilyn Slicker, University of Delaware

• Jason Hustedt, University of Delaware