parent childcare survey, nipissing district, december 2005...
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Parent Childcare Survey, Nipissing District, December 2005
Results Data
Objective The following report contains the data results of a recent parent childcare telephone
survey. The survey is part of a Child Care Needs Assessment study being conducted by
DNSSAB’s Children Services.
Survey Sample The survey interviewed 300 parents from the District of Nipissing who have children
ages 0-12, or who were expecting a child within the next 9 months. The margin of error
for the survey is ± 5.7%, 19 / 20 times.
Survey Method The Survey was designed by the DNSSAB Researcher and the Children Services
Management Team. The survey was implemented by Oraclepoll Research Ltd. who
used CATI (Computer Assisted Techniques of Telephone Interviewing) and random
number selection. DNSSAB’s Researcher monitored the pilot survey, and interviews
were conducted in the Respondent’s preferred language of choice. The Management of
Oraclepoll Research Ltd. supervised the survey, and 20% of the telephone interviews
were monitored.
Logistics The survey was implemented between November 24th and December 28th 2005. Initial
calls were made from 5:30 PM to 9:00 PM. Call-backs, no-answers and busy numbers
were made on a staggered, daily rotating basis up to 5 times (between 10 AM and 9 PM)
until contact was made. Additionally, telephone interview appointments were attempted
with those Respondents unable to complete the survey at the time of contact.
Data Quality Due to the small sample size in the smaller communities and outlying areas, the data
should be interpreted with caution when making statistical inferences. Decimals have
been rounded to the nearest tenth. Although North Himsworth (Callander) is in the
District of Parry Sound, it was included in the survey as many Callander parents utilize
childcare in Nipissing District (Parry Sound DSSAB has cross- jurisdictional agreements
with DNSSAB). To preserve confidentiality, some area suppression has been adopted.
This report was prepared by David Plumstead, MBA; DNSSAB Researcher.
DNSSAB Children Services /Research, June 2006 2
DEMOGRAPHICS: WHO THE SURVEY HEARD FROM Geographic Area
Nipissing District Parent Survey: Geographic Area
North Bay67%Bonfield
3%
East Ferris6%
North Himsworth4%
West Nipissing13%
South Algonquin1%
Mattawa3%
Redbridge2%
Temagami1%
North Bay Bonfield East Ferris North Himsworth West NipissingSouth Algonquin Mattawa Redbridge Temagami
Family Income (Gross)
Nipissing District Parent Survey: Family Gross Income, Dec. 2005
11%
18%
8%
12%
10%
15%
13%13%
0%
2%
4%
6%
8%
10%
12%
14%
16%
18%
20%
Under$20,000
$20,000-$30,000
$30,000-$40,000
$40,000-$50,000
$50,000-$60,000
$60,000-$70,000
$70,000-$100,000
$100,000+
Fam
ilies
(%)
DNSSAB Children Services /Research, June 2006 3
Family Structure
Nipissing District Parent Survey, Family Structure Dec. 2005
64%20%
14% 2%
MarriedCommon LawSingle Parent (female)Single Parent (male)
Survey Respondent
Nipissing District Parent Survey Respondents, Dec. 2005
75%
21%2% 2%
MotherFatherLegal GaurdianExpecting Parent
DNSSAB Children Services /Research, June 2006 4
Language
Nipissing District Parent Survey: Primary Langugae Spoken at Home, Dec. 2005
84%
13%
2%
1%
EnglishFrenchFrench & EnglishOther
Children Represented (age-groups 0-12)
Nipissing District Parent Survey: Children Ages 0-12, Dec. 2005
15%
10%
18%
16%
41% Infant (0-18 mos.)Toddler (19 mos. - 29 mos.)Preschool (2.5 - 4 yrs.)JK / SK (5 - 6 yrs.)School-age (7 - 12 yrs.)
DNSSAB Children Services /Research, June 2006 5
Age Group Share by Area
Nipissing District Parent Survey: Age Group Share by Area, Dec. 2005
0%10%20%30%40%50%60%70%80%90%
North B
ay
Bonfie
ld
East F
erris
North H
imsw
orth
Cache
Bay
Verner
Field
Crystal
Falls /
Rive
r Vall
ey
Sturge
on Fall
s
South
Algonq
uin
Mattaw
a
Redbri
dge
Temag
ami
Fam
ilies
(%)
Infant (0-18 mos.) Toddler (19-29 mos.) Preschool (2.5-4 yrs.)JK /SK (5-6 yrs.) School-age (7-12 yrs.)
DNSSAB Children Services /Research, June 2006 6
FAMILIES WITH CHILDREN 0-12
• The chart indicates that the District’s childcare industry is presently operating on approximately 36% market share
• This indicates that of the 11,500 children (ages 0-12) presently in the District, approx. 4,200 are in some form of external childcare and 7,300 are cared for by their parents.
• Approx. 29% (or 1200) of the children in external daycare, are using licensed childcare centres or private-home daycares
• It should be noted that 29% of those providing their own childcare will need external childcare services within the next 18 mos. (see page 10)
Do you have any children 12 yrs. of age or under that are currently in a child care service provided by someone other than yourself or your spouse, on either a full-time or part-time basis?
Nipissing District Parent Survey: Families Requiring External Childcare, Dec. 2005
36%
64%
Yes
No
Cross Tabulation by Family Structure
Nipissing District, Childcare and Family Structure
43%42%
31%35%
57%58%
69%65%
0%
10%
20%
30%
40%
50%
60%
70%
80%
Married Couple Common Law Single Parent (female) Single Parent (male)
Fam
ilies
(%)
Using External Childcare Providing Own Childcare
• While single parents proportionately, are more inclined to use childcare compared to couples, a significant number provide their own care
• Given the socioeconomic status of many of these sole-support families, it would follow that more would be accessing childcare (subsidized) services.
DNSSAB Children Services /Research, June 2006 7
• Given the childcare subsidy threshold is approx. $50k (gross annual income), it would follow that more families below this income level would use childcare (see page 25), and there would be less income correlation
• The graph indicates however that proportionately, many families in the lower income groups are not using external childcare – and this is where the need may be the greatest.
• There appears to be some correlation between incomes and external childcare use in the District – as incomes rise, the use of external childcare services does also (this would not be subsidized childcare but rather full-fee /market price)
Cross Tabulation by Income
Nipissing District, Childcare and Family Income (Gross)
17%
36%
37% 41
%
24%
52%
44%
41%
83%
64%
63%
59%
76%
48%
56% 59%R2 = 0.38
R2 = 0.3834
0%
10%
20%
30%
40%
50%
60%
70%
80%
90%
Under$20,000
$20,000 -$30,000
$30,000 -$40,000
$40,000 -$50,000
$50,000 -$60,000
$60,000 -$70,000
$70,000 -$100,000
$100,000+
Fam
ilies
(%)
Using External Childcare Providing Own ChildcareRegression Line Regression Line
R2 is the Correlation Coefficient and refers to the strength of the relationship between two variables. O= no correlation and 1= perfect correlation.
Cross Tabulation by Area
• Many of those not using external childcare services appear to live in the outer-lying communities
Nipissing District, Childcare by Area
38%
11%
29% 36
%
20%
38% 46
%
22%
40% 50
%
50%
50%
62%
89%
71%
64%
80%
100%
63%
55%
100%
78%
60%
50%
0%
20%
40%
60%
80%
100%
120%
North B
ay
Bonfie
ld
East F
erris
North H
imsw
orth
Cache
Bay
Verner
Field
Crystal
Falls /
Rive
r Vall
ey
Sturge
on Fall
s
South
Algonq
uin
Mattaw
a
Redbri
dge
Temag
ami
Fam
ilies
(%)
Using External Childcare Providing Own Childcare
DNSSAB Children Services /Research, June 2006 8
Cross Tabulation by Language
• Differences in language & culture do not appear to be a factor in determining whether or not parents use external childcare or provide their own
• Bilingual families appear to have a greater utilization rate of external childcare
Nipissing District, Childcare and Culture
36%
43%
35%36%
64%
57%
65%64%
0%
10%
20%
30%
40%
50%
60%
70%
English French French & English Other
Fam
ilies
(%)
Using External Childcare Providing Own Childcare
DNSSAB Children Services /Research, June 2006 9
Families Not Using Childcare (i.e., it is provided by self, partner or spouse)
Will you need other childcare services within the next 18 mos.?
• This is an important parent segment, in terms of targeting for licensed childcare services and programs
• Providing future childcare users with general childcare education, awareness and options (including the benefits of licensed programs) will help them make the best informed choice.
Nipissing District Parent Survey: Families Not Presently Using External Childcare, But Who Will Need it in the Next 18 Months
29%
61%
10%
Yes
No
Undecided
Cross Tabulation by Family Structure
• Proportionately, single mothers will have the greatest need for future childcare services, presumably due to their maternity leaves ending (see next page)
• Future childcare need is otherwise distributed evenly across the family structures
Nipissing District, In Need of External Childcare Within the Next 18 mos.
25%
48%
25%26%
75%
36%
61%66%
16%14%
8%
0%
10%
20%
30%
40%
50%
60%
70%
80%
Married Couple Common Law Single Parent (female) Single Parent (male)
Fam
ilies
(%)
Will Need External Childcare Will Not Need External Childcare Undecided
DNSSAB Children Services /Research, June 2006 10
Families Presently Using, or Who Will Require, External Childcare Services
For what reasons do you, or will you, require childcare?
Nipissing District Parent Survey: Primary Reasons for Childcare, Dec. 2005
4%7%7%
82%
0%
10%
20%
30%
40%
50%
60%
70%
80%
90%
Work /Employment Maternity Leave Over School Other
Fam
ilies
(%)
Other includes: social development for children, summer holidays and having a disabled child.
• 50% of the District’s parents who are presently using childcare (or will be using it), prefer licensed childcare services, with the next most popular type being relatives or family members (13%)
• The use of Nanny’s and private home (unlicensed) childcare is also popular, with 28% of parents choosing these types. These also seem to be the most volatile types of childcare, as they were given as the main reasons for parents switching (see page 14)
What do you (or will you) use as your primary type of childcare?
Nipissing District Parent Survey: Primary Type of Childcare, Dec. 2005
1%2%5%
9%9%10%13%
20%
30%
0%
5%
10%
15%
20%
25%
30%
35%
Licen
sed C
hildc
are C
entre
Licen
sed P
rivate
Hom
e Day
care
Relativ
e or F
amily
Membe
r
Nanny
or Sitte
r (in-h
ome)
Nanny
or Sitte
r (ou
tside
home)
Unlice
nsed
Chil
dcare
Don't K
now
Before
& Afte
r Sch
ool P
rogram Othe
r
Fam
ilies
(%)
Other includes: after school program and Stepping Stones program for autistic children.
DNSSAB Children Services /Research, June 2006 11
What are the main reasons that you have chosen (or will choose) this type of childcare?
• Reliability, availability and reputation are the next three most important reasons, with 31% of the parents stating these
• Almost half of the parents relied upon (or will rely upon) word-of-mouth and referrals to find childcare
• Traditional advertising mediums do not appear to play a significant role in attracting parents
• Likely, this is more the result of a lack of childcare education, awareness and promotion by the District’s childcare industry
• 42% of the parents stated that cost, location and quality are the primary reasons they have chosen (or will choose) their childcare services.
Nipissing District Parent Survey: Reasons for Choosing Present Childcare, Dec. 2005
4%
2%2%
3%3%
4%4%
6%
9%
10%
12%13
%14%15
%
0%
2%
4%
6%
8%
10%
12%
14%
16%
Cost
Loca
tion
Quality
of C
are
Reliab
ility
Times
/ Flex
ibility
/ Ava
ilabil
ity
Reputa
tion
Know th
e Chil
dcare
Prov
ider
No Othe
r Opti
ons
More Pers
onal
Attenti
onSafe
ty
Don't K
now
Preferr
ed C
hoice
Una
vaila
ble
Offers
Specia
l Nee
ds H
elpOthe
r
Fam
ilies
(%)
Other includes: recommended by a family member or friend, it is bilingual, the adult-child ratio and it was licensed.
How did you find, or will you find, care for your children?
Nipissing District Parent Survey: Finding Childcare, Dec. 2005
1%1%2%2%3%3%3%4%4%4%
14%
14%
24%
22%
0%
5%
10%
15%
20%
25%
30%
Word-of
-Mou
th
Referra
l (fam
ily, fr
iend e
tc..)
Childc
are is
Provide
d by R
elativ
e, etc
.
Found
Throug
h an A
genc
y
Placed
a New
spap
er Ad
By Res
earch
ing th
e Cen
tres
Don't K
now
Older C
hild W
ent T
here
Respo
nded
to a
Newsp
aper
Ad
Loca
tion (
live c
lose t
o it)
Intern
et
The O
nly O
ne in
Town
Teleph
one B
ook
Workpla
ce H
as a
Dayca
re
Fam
ilies
(%)
DNSSAB Children Services /Research, June 2006 12
• While some of the reasons for turnover do not pertain to licensed centres or daycares, quality emerged as a primary reason of turnover, and can be addressed through the childcare network
• The costs of switching include child separation /disruption, family inconvenience and administrative costs
• Reducing childcare turnover could be a performance indicator adopted by the District’s ELCC Network
Have you had to switch childcare arrangements in the past 2 years?
Nipissing District Parent Survey: Families Who Have Had to Switch Childcare in the Past 2 Years
29%
71%
Yes
No
Cross Tabulation by Area
Switching Childcare Arrangements in the Past 2 Years, by Area
25%
40%
39%
60%
33%
17%
13%
29%
40%
75%
100%
60%
62%67
%
100%
83%88
%100%
71%
0%
20%
40%
60%
80%
100%
120%
North B
ay
Bonfie
ld
East F
erris
North H
imsw
orth
Cache
Bay
Verner
Crystal
Falls /
Rive
r Vall
ey
Sturge
on Fall
s
Mattaw
a
Redbri
dge
Temag
ami
Fam
ilies
(%)
Have Switched Have Not Switched
DNSSAB Children Services /Research, June 2006 13
Approximately how many times?
• 53% of the families switched their childcare arrangements 2 or more times, over the course of two (2) years
Nipissing District Parent Survey: Number of Times Switching Childcare Arrangements in the Past 2 Years, Dec. 2005
46%
28%
13%
2%
4%
2%
4%
0% 5% 10% 15% 20% 25% 30% 35% 40% 45% 50%
1
2
3
4
5
6
10 +
# Sw
itche
s
Families (%)
• The private home daycares also seem to be volatile, in that more of them tend to go out of business. The “unsuitable hours of childcare provider” (9%) is likely directed at the private home daycares as their business days tend to be considerably shorter than the commercial childcare centres
• 11% of the turnover is due to quality – a very important criteria regardless of the type of childcare service
• As mentioned earlier, the majority of parents switch due to the Nanny or Sitter quitting
What were the main reasons you switched childcare arrangements?
Nipissing District Parent Survey: Reasons for Switching Childcare Arrangements, Dec. 2005
11%
4%
4%
4%
7%
7%
7%
9%
9%
9%
11%
20%
0% 5% 10% 15% 20% 25%
The Nanny or Sitter Quit
Because of a Quality Issue
Private Home Daycare Closed Down
Unsuitable Hours of Childcare provider
I Could no Longer Afford it
Due to Transportation Issues
Have Decided to Stay at Home
Moved
Relatives, etc. Could no Longer do it
Started to go to School
Maternity Leave Over
Other
Families (%)
Other includes: don’t know, the childcare centre closed down, there is no childcare available in my area and my child has special needs.
DNSSAB Children Services /Research, June 2006 14
Childcare Satisfaction How would you rate your satisfaction with the overall care your children presently receive?
• This is another performance indicator area that the District’s ELCC network could adopt , as measured by future surveys
• An 80% parent satisfaction rate is a good accomplishment for the District’s childcare network, given some of the challenges it presently faces
• In keeping with DNSSAB’s program of progressive excellence however, there is still work to be done with the other 20%!
1% 3%
14%
65%
16%
0%
10%
20%
30%
40%
50%
60%
70%
Fam
ilies
(%)
Not Satisfied Neither Satisfiednor Dissatisfied
Satisfied Very Satisfied Don't Know
Nipissing District Parent Survey: Childcare Satisfaction, Dec. 2005
DNSSAB Children Services /Research, June 2006 15
EXPECTING PARENTS Will you require child care, either part-time or full-time, that is provided by someone other than yourself or your spouse or partner, after the
• There are approx. 800 births /yr. in the District which equates to 665 childcare spaces
• While the preferred type of childcare for this parent segment is family or relatives (see next page), educational & awareness programs will help them make the best informed choice
• The survey’s expecting parents were represented evenly across the income distribution
• The parents indicating they would not need external childcare are in the lowest income group, where actual childcare needs may be the greatest
• If parents choose to stay at home and raise their children, that’s one thing. If they want to access external childcare but can’t for whatever reason, that’s another…….
• This is another very important group in terms of childcare education, promotion and targeting
• The majority of families expecting a child will need future childcare services
baby is born?
Nipissing District Parent Survey: Expecting Parents Who Will Require External Childcare, Dec. 2005
83%
17%
Yes
No
Cross Tabulation by Income
Expecting Parents Requiring Future Childcare Services and Income
0%
20%
40%
60%
80%
100%
120%
Under $20,000 $20,000 -$30,000
$40,000 -$50,000
$60,000 -$70,000
$70,000 -$100,000
$100,000 +
Fam
ilies
(%)
Will Require Future Childcare Services Will Not Require Future Childcare Services Note: for those not requiring future childcare services, see page 19.
DNSSAB Children Services /Research, June 2006 16
Expecting Parents Who Will Require External Childcare For what reasons will you require child care?
Nipissing District Parent Survey: Expecting Parents' Reasons for Childcare, Dec. 2005
20%
40%40%
0%
5%
10%
15%
20%
25%
30%
35%
40%
45%
Maternity Leave Over Work /Employment School
Fam
ilies
(%)
• Again, this has implications for reaching out to expecting parents through education & awareness programs, and presenting childcare options
• The majority of expecting parents prefer childcare that is provided by relatives or family, followed by licensed childcare. This is in contrast to families who presently use childcare, and who prefer licensed care over family (page 11).
• This may have something to do with the experience factor, and new parents being reluctant to use external (unknown) care
What will you use as your primary type of childcare?
Nipissing District Parent Survey: Expecting Parents' Intended Type of Childcare Service, Dec. 2005
20%20%
60%
0%
10%
20%
30%
40%
50%
60%
70%
Relative or Family Member Licensed Childcare Centre Licensed Private HomeDaycare
Fam
ilies
(%)
DNSSAB Children Services /Research, June 2006 17
What are the main reasons for choosing this type of childcare service?
• Similar to parents presently using external childcare (page 12), cost and location are the main criteria used by expecting parents, in choosing their childcare services
• Rather than quality as the next most important reason, expecting parents stated availability(no newborn childcare)
Nipissing District Parent Survey: Expecting Parents' Reasons for Choosing Future Childcare Service, Dec. 2005
20%20%20%20%20%
0%
5%
10%
15%
20%
25%
CostConsideration
Location No Daycares forNewborns
Small GroupSizes
Don't Know
Fam
ilies
(%)
How will you go about finding this type of childcare?
• The fact that the majority of expecting parents will need childcare but don’t’ know where they will find it (or will rely on word-of-mouth and referrals), has significant implications for the District’s ELCC network
• Targeted community outreach is needed to provide childcare education & awareness to this important childcare segment
Nipissing District Parent Survey: Expecting Parents' Plans to Find Childcare, Dec. 2005
20%20%
60%
0%
10%
20%
30%
40%
50%
60%
70%
Don't Know General Word-of-Mouth Ask Family Members, Friends,etc.
Fam
ilies
(%)
DNSSAB Children Services /Research, June 2006 18
Parents and Expecting Parents who are presently not using external childcare services and don’t plan to in the future.
• Surprisingly, of the parents who provide their own childcare (and state they won’t need future services), only 26% actually feel that “home is the best place for children”
• Another 26% of this segment state that unemployment and financial circumstances are the reasons for not using external childcare
• This implies that some of this parent segment may be “convertible’ i.e., they and their children may benefit from professional childcare services or are in need of assistance (but don’t acknowledge it for whatever reason
Why will you not use childcare outside your home?
Nipissing District Parent Survey: Reasons for Not Using External Daycare
26%
22%
16%
10%7%
6%4% 4% 2% 3%
0%
5%
10%
15%
20%
25%
30%
Home i
s the
Best P
lace F
or Chil
dren
There
is Alway
s Som
eone
Hom
e
I am C
urren
tly U
nemplo
yed
Financ
ial R
easo
ns
Older S
ibling
can B
abys
it
No Nee
d
I am Pres
ently
on M
aterni
ty Le
ave
Don't K
now
Old Eno
ugh t
o Care
for T
hemse
lves..
Other
Fam
ilies
(%)
Other includes: I tried outside daycare but had a bad experience, my friends & family would disapprove, I don’t know how to find out about other options and I can’t get subsidies. If you had no limitations or restrictions, (such as cost, transportation, availability, etc.), what would be your top three preferred choices for childcare services?
* This challenges the argument that “most parents want to stay at home and provide their own childcare”
• Just under 50% of expecting parents and non-users of external childcare indicated that staying at home would be their ideal childcare arrangement *
• Childcare provided by relatives or family members and licensedchildcare centres are the next most popular childcare choices, respectively
Nipissing District Parent Survey: Ideal Childcare for Those Presently Providing Their Own Childcare
1%2%4%7%8%
14%16%
47%
0%
5%
10%
15%
20%
25%
30%
35%
40%
45%
50%
Stay atHome
Relative orFamily
Member
LicensedChildcare
Centre
Don'tKnow
Nanny orSitter (in-
home)
LicensedPrivateHome
Daycare
Before &After
SchoolPrograms
Other
Fam
ilies
(%)
Other includes: unlicensed childcare (centre or private home) and summer camp program.
DNSSAB Children Services /Research, June 2006 19
IDEAL CHILDCARE OPTIONS Parents who are presently using external childcare services, and expecting parents If you had no limitations or restrictions, (such as cost, transportation, availability, etc.), what would be your top three preferred choices for childcare services?
• s s of , just e
Similar to the previougroup of non-userexternal childcareunder 50% of thospresently using childcare services would prefer to stay home and provide their own child
at
care
• 16% of this group indicated that they would choose licensedchildcare centres as their ideal choice, followed by 10% wwould choose a Nanny
ho
• Childcare that is located near home is the preference for parents, followed by locations that are near work and in a school
• Whereas the previous segment chose childcare provided by relatives or family as the next choice, these parents prefer licensed childcare centres , followed by an in-home Nanny or Sitter
• Similar to the previous parent segment, just under 50% of the parents who are presently using external childcare indicated that staying at home would be their ideal childcare arrangement
Nipissing District Parent Survey: Ideal Childcare for Those Presently Using External Childcare, or Expecting Parents
1%1%1%1%2%4%7%9%10%
16%
48%
0%5%
10%15%20%25%30%35%40%45%50%
Stay at
Hom
e
Licen
sed C
hildc
are C
entre
Nanny
or Sitte
r (in-
home)
Relativ
e or F
amily
Membe
r
Licen
sed P
rivate
Hom
e Day
care
Don't K
now
Unlice
nsed
Chil
dcare
Before
& Afte
r Sch
ool P
rogram
s
Summer
Camp P
rogram
After S
choo
l Prog
ram Other
Fam
ilies
(%)
Other includes: a nanny or sitter outside the home and friends. Where would you prefer to have this childcare service located?
Nipissing District Parent Survey: Preferred Childcare Location, Dec. 2005
49%
16%13%
8% 7% 6%0%
10%
20%
30%
40%
50%
60%
Near Home Near Work In a School Don't Know Near Child'sSchool
At Home
Fam
ilies
(%)
DNSSAB Children Services /Research, June 2006 20
Would you prefer to have services at this daycare offered in English, French, both, or in another language?
• There is significant demand for bilingual childcare services, within Nipissing District
Nipissing District Parent Survey: Prefered Language for Delivery of Childcare Services, Dec. 2005
56%33%
10% 1%Bilingual
English
French
Don't Know
DNSSAB Children Services /Research, June 2006 21
CHILDCARE SERVICES DEMAND, DAY & TIME On what days do your children (or will your children) require care from someone other than yourself, your spouse or partner?
• 15% of parents require childcare services on non-standard days
Nipissing District Parent Survey: The Need for Childcare (Days), Dec. 2005
14%9% 4% 3% 1% 1%
68%
0%
10%
20%
30%
40%
50%
60%
70%
80%
Monday -Friday (week)
Monday -Friday (single
days)
RandomDays &Weeks
IrregularShifts or On-
call
Don't Know Occassional/RandomDrop-off
Weekends
Fam
ilies
(%)
During what times do your children (or will your children) require care from someone other than yourself, your spouse or partner?
Nipissing District Parent Survey: The Need for Childcare (Times), Dec. 2005
15%10%
5% 4% 4% 2%
60%
0%
10%
20%
30%
40%
50%
60%
70%
Full Day After School BeforeSchool
Don't Know Shifts On Call Before &After School
Fam
ilies
(%)
DNSSAB Children Services /Research, June 2006 22
ACCESSING CHILDCARE Parents who are presently using external childcare services, and expecting parents Overall, how would you rate the way that childcare is promoted or advertised in Nipissing District?
21%20%
27%
16%
10%
5%
0%
5%
10%
15%
20%
25%
30%
Fam
ilies
(%)
Very Poor Poor Neutral Good Very Good Don't Know
Nipissing District Parent Survey: Childcare Promotion / Advertising
Are you familiar with the difference between licensed (regulated) childcare and unlicensed childcare?
Nipissing District Parent Survey: Knowing the Difference Between Licensed & Unlicensed Childcare
82%
17% 1%
Know The Difference
Don't Know The Difference
Not Sure
DNSSAB Children Services /Research, June 2006 23
• The fact that the majority of parents presently rely on referrals and word-of-mouth to choose their childcare (see pages 12 & 18) is indicative of this
• While the majority of parents know the difference between licensed and unlicensed childcare, the 17% that don’t might benefit from this knowledge
• DNSSAB, MCYS and the licensed childcare providers may want to review this with respect to existing promotional literature an distribution
• There are approx. 1200 subsidized children /yr. in the District’s licensed childcare centres and private-home daycares….what would this number be with increased awareness?
• Only 26% of the parents felt that childcare is adequately promoted within the District.
• An emerging theme from this survey is the need for improved communications between the childcare network and parents. This includes general childcare education & awareness, and promotion and advertising
• Not surprisingly, the same number of families who didn’t know the difference between licensed and unlicensed childcare, don’t know about childcare subsidy
• Quality service accessibility is a guiding principle of DNSSAB -ensuring that all the parents who want to use childcare and are eligible for subsidy, know about it and can receive it, is central to operations
• Many of these parents may not go looking for subsidy, or might face barriers that prevent them from finding out about it – in this case the message will need to be brought to them
Do you know about childcare subsidy?
Nipissing District Parent Survey: Childcare Subsidy Awareness, Dec. 2005
82%
18%
Yes
No
Cross Tabulation by income
• The graph reveals that there are parents in each income distribution class, who would probably qualify for licensed childcare subsidy, but who don’t know about it
• The childcare subsidy threshold is that point below which, parents are most likely to qualify for childcare subsidy (approx. 80% that qualify have gross incomes of less than $30k)
Awareness of Childcare Subsidy by Income (gross)
28%
21%
13%8%
25%22%
14%10%
0%
10%
20%
30%
40%
50%
60%
70%
80%
90%
100%
Under$20,000
$20,000 -$30,000
$30,000 -$40,000
$40,000 -$50,000
$50,000 -$60,000
$60,000 -$70,000
$70,000 -$100,000
$100,000+
Fam
ilies
(%)
Aware of Subsidy Not Aware of Subsidy
Childcare Subsidy Threshold
DNSSAB Children Services /Research, June 2006 24
Cross Tabulation by Family Structure
• Sole--support Fathers could benefit from increased subsidized awareness, but this is a relatively small parent segment, comprising only 5% of the District’s families with children
• As 40% of the couples are unaware of childcare subsidy, this would be a prime segment to target for increased awareness
• The majority of sole-support Mothers are aware of childcare subsidy which indicates effective promotion to this parent segment
Awareness of Childcare Subsidy by Family Structure
81% 79%
97%
50% 50%
19% 21%
50% 50%
3%0%
20%
40%
60%
80%
100%
120%
MarriedCouple
Common Law Single Parent(female)
Single Parent(male)
ExpectingParents
Fam
ilies
(%) Aware of Subsidy
Not Aware ofSubsidy
If so, have you ever tried (or will you try) to apply for childcare subsidy?
• Almost 40% of the parents who know about childcare subsidy have not applied for it (or won’t be applying)
Nipissing District Parent Survey: Appling for Childcare Subsidy
61%
38%
1%
Have Applied (or will)
Have Not Applied (or won't)
Don't Know
DNSSAB Children Services /Research, June 2006 25
Cross Tabulation by Income
• As would be expected, the graph shows a strong correlation between income and subsidy application – the lower the income, the higher the number of subsidy applications. It also reveals that regardless of income, parents do try for subsidized childcare across the income distribution
• Of particular interest is the indication, that there are parents below the subsidy threshold (i.e., they would probably qualify) who know about childcare subsidy but have not applied.
Applying for Childcare Subsidy & Family Income (gross)
23%
37%
62%
58%
67%
83%
84%
75%
69%
63%
39%42
%
33%
17%
16%
17%
8%8%
0%
10%
20%
30%
40%
50%
60%
70%
80%
90%
Under$20,000
$20,000 -$30,000
$30,000 -$40,000
$40,000 -$50,000
$50,000 -$60,000
$60,000 -$70,000
$70,000 -$100,000
$100,000+
Fam
ilies
(%)
Have Applied for Subsidy Have not Applied for Subsidy Don't Know
Childcare Subsidy Threshold
If you have applied, do you presently receive, or have you received childcare subsidy in the past?
Nipissing District Parent Survey: Presently Receiving or Have Received, Childcare Subsidy
50%49%
1%
Yes
No
Don't Know
DNSSAB Children Services /Research, June 2006 26
If you have not applied for childcare subsidy, why not?
• 70% of the parents who know about childcare subsidy have not applied for it, because they think they would not qualify
• The data and analysis on the previous page however, indicates otherwise – based upon the main criteria of income, some of these parents would indeed qualify
• This would imply there is a subsidy communications gap, i.e., what the program actually is vs. what it is perceived to be
Nipissing District Parent Survey: Reasons for not Applying for Childcare Subsidy, Dec. 2005
2%
28%
70%
0%
10%
20%
30%
40%
50%
60%
70%
80%
I Would Not Qualify No Need Don't Know
Fam
ilies
Have you ever had difficulty finding or choosing childcare?
Nipissing District Parent Survey: Difficulty in Finding or Choosing Daycare, Dec. 2005
35%
63%
1%
Yes
No
Don't Know
• 1 out of 3 parents indicated difficulty in finding childcare
DNSSAB Children Services /Research, June 2006 27
Cross Tabulation by Area
Difficulty in Finding or Choosing Childcare by Area
0%
20%
40%
60%
80%
100%
120%
North B
ay
Bonfie
ld
East F
erris
North H
imsw
orth
Cache
Bay
Verner
Crystal
Falls /
Rive
r Vall
ey
Sturge
on Fall
s
Mattaw
a
Redbri
dge
Temag
ami
Fam
ilies
(%)
Have Had Difficulty Have Not Had Difficulty Don't Know What contributed to your difficulties in finding or choosing childcare?
• The fact that some childcare providers have waiting lists while others strive to increase their numbers, indicates performance gaps amongst the providers (given that the top selection criteria of parents are cost, location, quality, reliability, flexibility and reputation –see page 12)
• The “lack of information” reinforces the need for increased marketing & communications to parents
Nipissing District Parent Survey: Reasons for Difficulty in Finding or Choosing Childcare, Dec. 2005
2%3%3%3%
5%
7%
9%9%9%10%
16%
24%
0%
5%
10%
15%
20%
25%
30%
Put on
a W
aiting
List
Lack
of In
formati
on
Too Far
from H
ome
Not Eno
ugh S
pace
s
Hard to
Find D
ayca
res fo
r Infan
ts
Not Ava
ilable
at th
e Tim
e I N
eed
Childc
are no
t Ava
ilable
in m
y Area
Availa
ble C
hildc
are U
nacc
eptab
le
Lack
of Trus
t in D
ayca
res
Quality
of Serv
ice
Don't K
now
Have a
Specia
l Nee
ds C
hild
Fam
ilies
(%)
DNSSAB Children Services /Research, June 2006 28
PRESENT CHILDCARE LOCATION In what City or Town is your childcare provider located?
Nipissing District Parent Survey: Location of Present Childcare Provider
River Valley
Crystal Falls
Cache Bay Sturgeon Falls
North Bay
Temagami
Astorville
VernerCallander
Redbridge
Mattawa
North BaySturgeon FallsMattawaTemagamiRedbridgeCallanderAstorvilleVernerRiver ValleyCrystal FallsCache Bay
Why was this location chosen?
Nipissing District Parent Survey: Reasons for Choosing Present Childcare Location, Dec. 2005
4%3%3%5%6%
14%
67%
0%
10%
20%
30%
40%
50%
60%
70%
80%
Near Home Near Work Only SpaceAvailable
Near Child'sSchool
Near MySchool
Don't Know Other
Fam
ilies
(%)
DNSSAB Children Services /Research, June 2006 29
General Characteristics When selecting a care provider for your child, what were the three most important things you took into consideration?
Nipissing District Parent Survey: Important Factors in Selecting Childcare (General Characteristics), Dec. 2005
2%2%2%2%3%3%
4%4%
5%6%6%6%
7%7%
17%
21%
0%
5%
10%
15%
20%
25%
Staff Q
ualific
ation
s
Quality
Loca
tion
Reputa
tion
Cost
Program
ming
Child:A
dult R
atio
Hours
of Ope
ration
Trustw
orthin
ess
Safety
/ Sec
urity
Meals
/Nutr
ition
Cleanli
ness
Child i
s Hap
py
Bilingu
al
Don't K
now
Other
Fam
ilies
(%)
Other includes: continuity of care (reliability) and personality. Personnel & Operations From the following list, please indicate the top three things that were most important to you, when selecting care for your child:
Nipissing District Parent Survey: Important Factors in Selecting Childcare (Programs & Operations), Dec. 2005
1%4%
9%
12%13%
18%
20%
24%
0%
5%
10%
15%
20%
25%
NutritionalMeals
/Snacks
IndividualAttention
SocialInteractionof Children
Facilities(outdoorspace,
parks, etc.)
Cultural/Linguistic
Needs
Resources(toys,
games,books,etc.)
ExtraCurricularActivities
Don'tKnow
Fam
ilies
(%)
DNSSAB Children Services /Research, June 2006 30
How would you rate your satisfaction with the variety of activities and programming offered by your present childcare provider?
• This provides a benchmark score for future improvement
• Similar to the satisfaction rating for overall care (page 15), a rating of 78% for activities & programming is a good accomplishment for the childcare network
5%9%
26%
52%
8%
0%
10%
20%
30%
40%
50%
60%
Fam
ilies
(%)
Not Satisfied Neutral Satisfied Very Satisfied Don't Know
Nipissing District Parent Survey: Present Level of Satisfaction with Childcare Activities & Programming
For those that are satisfied or very satisfied, could anything be added or changed that would further improve things?
Nipissing District Parent Survey: Suggestions for Improving Childcare Activities & Programming, by Those Generally Satisfied With Their
Present Childcare Provider
60%
14%6% 4% 4% 2% 2% 2% 7%
0%
10%
20%
30%
40%
50%
60%
70%
Don't K
now
More A
ctivit
ies
More S
uperv
ision
/Work
ers
More Fun
ding
More Spa
ce
More E
duca
tiona
l Acti
vities
More Fren
ch
More K
idsOthe
r
Fam
ilies
(%)
Other includes: updated resources & facilities, the cost, less extracurricular activities, television, open in the summer, less Government restrictions and better transportation.
DNSSAB Children Services /Research, June 2006 31
For those that are not satisfied, what would you like to see added or changed?
Nipissing District Parent Survey: Suggestions for Improving Childcare Activities & Programming, by Those not Satisfied With Their Present
Childcare Provider
17%17%
67%
0%
10%
20%
30%
40%
50%
60%
70%
More Activities Les Extracurricular Activities Don't Know
Fam
ilies
(%)
DNSSAB Children Services /Research, June 2006 32
Special Needs Have any of your children been identified as having special needs?
Nipissing District Parent Survey: Children Identified as Having Special Needs, Dec. 2005
11%
87%
2%
Yes
No
Don't Know
Have you been able to get the childcare you need for this child or children?
• From a zero-tolerance perspective, 11% of parents with unmet childcare needs for their children with special needs, is 11% too high
• All the children with special needs, and their families, should be able to receive the services they require within Nipissing District
Nipissing District Parent Survey: Access to Services for Children with Special Needs, Dec. 2005
78%
11%
11%
Yes
No
Don't Know
DNSSAB Children Services /Research, June 2006 33
Have you used either of the following Special Needs Resource Centres: Resource Teacher Program (Association for Community Living) or Stepping Stones Program in West Nipissing?
Nipissing District Parent Survey: Special Needs Resource Centre Utilization, Dec. 2005
67%
33%
Yes
No
For those that have not used the centres, why is that?
• There is a need for increased outreach to parents with special needs children, within the district
• The two Special Needs Resource Centres (above) often have waiting lists – any increase in awareness will further increase the need for additional capacity
Nipissing District Parent Survey: Reasons for not Using Special Needs Resource Centres
17%17%
67%
0%
10%
20%
30%
40%
50%
60%
70%
Not Aware of Them Would Not Apply (child's needsare physical)
Used Another Program(healthy baby, healthy mom)
Fam
ilies
(%)
DNSSAB Children Services /Research, June 2006 34
FAMILY RESOURCE CENTRES Have you ever used the services of a Family Resource Centre?
• Half the parents don’t use Family Resource Centres
Nipissing District Parent Survey: Family Resource Centre Utilization,Dec. 2005
46%
52%
2%
Yes
No
Don't Know
Cross Tabulation by Area
Utilization of Family Resource Centres by Area
2%
51%
33% 44
%
57% 67
%
20% 31
%
50%
67%
47% 56
%
29% 33
%
100%
80%
69%
100%
100%
50%
0%
20%
40%
60%
80%
100%
120%
North B
ay
Bonfie
ld
East F
erris
North H
imsw
orth
Cache
Bay
Verner
Crystal
Falls /
Rive
r Vall
ey
Sturge
on Fall
s
Mattaw
a
Redbri
dge
Temag
ami
Fam
ilies
(%)
Have Used Services Have Not Used Services Don't Know
DNSSAB Children Services /Research, June 2006 35
If so, which one?
• Of those who do use centres, the majority visit the Ontario Early Years Centre
• Most of the parents who do not use Family Resource Centres, indicate that they don’t have a need for their services
• 25% indicate that they have never heard of them
• The Family Resource Center’s may want to review their service alignment and community promotion strategies
Nipissing District Parent Survey: Family Resource Centres Used
Military Family Resource Centre,
3%
Family Enrichment, 4%
West Nipissing Resource Centre,
5%
Don't Know, 3%Other, 11%
Ontario Early Years Centre, 75%
If you have not used the services of a Family Resource Centre, why not?
Nipissing District Parent Survey: Reasons For not Using a Family Resource Centre
6%
16%
27%
52%
0%
10%
20%
30%
40%
50%
60%
No Need for Services I Have Never Heard ofThem
Don't Know Other
Fam
ilies
(%)
Other includes: location (there isn’t one in my area or it’s too far), operating hours don’t suit me and there is a waiting list.
DNSSAB Children Services /Research, June 2006 36
CHLDCARE NEEDS & SUGGESTIONS Do you have any childcare needs that are not being met?
Nipissing District Parent Survey: Childcare Needs Being Met or Not, Dec. 2005
9%
90%
1%
Yes
No
Don't Know
• From the District’s parents perspective, most of the overall childcare needs are presently being met -an excellent indicator for the childcare network
If yes, what needs are not being met?
• 26% of the parents with unmet childcare needs, stated a lack of subsidies and financial assistance as the main areas of need
• The 20% who stated lack of space as being the main area of need, presumably are on waiting lists for a select few childcare centres
Nipissing District Parent Survey: Unmet Childcare Needs
7%7%7%7%
13%13%13%13%
20%
0%
5%
10%
15%
20%
25%
Lack
of S
pace
Lack
of Sub
sidies
Financ
ial A
ssist
ance
Evenin
g /Ove
rnigh
t Help
Lack
of Acti
vities
Licen
sed D
ayca
res do
not A
ccep
t Par.
..
Not Ope
n on S
tat. H
olida
ys an
d in .
..
No Wee
kend
Help
Don't K
now
Fam
ilies
(%)
DNSSAB Children Services /Research, June 2006 37
Do you have any suggestions for improving the childcare system in Nipissing District? (all parents)
Nipissing District Parent Survey: Suggestions for Improving the District's Childcare System
60%
35%
5%
Have Suggestions Do Not Have Suggestions Don't Know What are these suggestions?
Nipissing District Parent Survey: Suggestions for Improving the District's Childcare System, Dec. 2005
7%
3%3%3%3%3%3%
6%
11%
11%12
%14%
19%
0%
5%
10%
15%
20%
25%
Advert
ise M
ore
Better
Subsid
ized S
ystem
More Spa
ces
Lower
the C
ost
Better
Traine
d Staf
f
More Sup
ervisio
n /Staf
f
More Priv
ate H
ome D
ayca
res
Superv
ise /M
onito
r Hom
e Day
care.
..
More Spe
cial N
eeds
Work
ers &
Sp..
.
More Fun
ding
More In
fant S
pace
s
Long
er Hou
rsOthe
r
Fam
ilies
(%)
Other includes: working families should get subsidized daycare, more activities, reduce waiting list, more bilingual services, less government involvement.
DNSSAB Children Services /Research, June 2006 38
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