They are convinced that very young children need the attention of someone who truly cherishes them. The polling in Necessary Compromises is distinctive because it includes the perspectives of over 800 parents with kids ages 5 or under, employers, and children's advocates. Funding for this project was provided by The Danforth Foundation, The Ford Foundation , The David and Lucile Packard Foundation , and the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation . Distrust of Day Care Parents with children five and under show a wide-ranging discomfort with group day care. Seventy-eight percent believe it is usually best if they rely on a grandparent or other close relative if they need child care.
Parents say that day care can provide good care.
They believe we need high quality day care for families who need it. They even say day care has some benefits, such as teaching children how to get along with other kids. Who Rely on Child Care Despite their conviction that parental care is best, the parents surveyed express substantial sympathy for working moms, single parents, parents on welfare, and families where both parents work. This study indicates that parents believe child care is an important and necessary alternative that should be improved, not abandoned. The study shows many common concerns and views among parents, employers, and children's advocates, but it also reveals some differences.