human growth ( discussion C )
Discussion C: The Cost of Childcare
Childcare has traditionally been shared among female relatives. However as more women enter the workforce, the dependence for childcare has increased. The purposes of childcare centers are to provide a watchful eye for offspring (thereby supporting maternal employment) and to promote child development.
1. Please read the following 2016 article This Is How Much the Average American Spends on Childcare. The link is provided below. You can copy and paste it into your web browser.
http://time.com/money/4444034/average-cost-child-care/
A second, but older article from 2012 is provided below for additional reading:
Rising cost of child care may help explain recent increase in stay-at-home moms
2. Initial Post (300 words)
Please respond initially to the following questions: Are you surprised by the figures in the 2016 article? Who do you believe should foot the bill (parents, the government, or both)?
High quality childcare centers are defined as having highly educated and trained staff, a lower staff to child ratio, and a stimulating, positive environment for attendees. Children in high quality centers tend to have higher academic scores, are better liked by peers, and exhibit more social competence than children who attend lower quality centers. Given these findings in the research, what are your reactions to the non-standardization of centers for children?
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Response
Yes, am very surprised by the figures that guardians have to part with in order to keep their children’s at childcare centers. It’s so sad that these parents/guardians have to part with more than 10% of their income and there are also a 5th of the households that has to part away with a quarter of their total income so as to cater for the childcare.
(333 words)