Dr. Michal Perlman

Professor, University of Toronto and Director, Dr. R.G.N. Laidlaw Research Centre, University of Toronto

Curriculum vitae

416-978-0596

Ontario Institute for Studies in Education (OISE)

University of Toronto

252 Bloor Street West
Toronto, Ontario, Canada
M5S 1V6

Policy Frameworks and Parental Choice: Using Conjoint Analysis to Understand Parental Decision Making for Child Care

Journal article

Adrienne M. Davidson, Samantha Burns, Delaine Hampton, Linda White, Michal Perlman
Journal of Family Issues, vol. 43, {SAGE} Publications, 2021 Jul, pp. 1335--1363

DOI: 10.1177/0192513X211022386

Cite

APA Click to copy
Davidson, A. M., Burns, S., Hampton, D., White, L., & Perlman, M. (2021). Policy Frameworks and Parental Choice: Using Conjoint Analysis to Understand Parental Decision Making for Child Care. Journal of Family Issues, 43, 1335–1363. https://doi.org/10.1177/0192513X211022386

Chicago/Turabian Click to copy
Davidson, Adrienne M., Samantha Burns, Delaine Hampton, Linda White, and Michal Perlman. “Policy Frameworks and Parental Choice: Using Conjoint Analysis to Understand Parental Decision Making for Child Care.” Journal of Family Issues 43 (July 2021): 1335–1363.

MLA Click to copy
Davidson, Adrienne M., et al. “Policy Frameworks and Parental Choice: Using Conjoint Analysis to Understand Parental Decision Making for Child Care.” Journal of Family Issues, vol. 43, {SAGE} Publications, July 2021, pp. 1335–63, doi:10.1177/0192513X211022386.

BibTeX Click to copy

@article{davidson2021a,
  title = {Policy Frameworks and Parental Choice: Using Conjoint Analysis to Understand Parental Decision Making for Child Care},
  year = {2021},
  month = jul,
  journal = {Journal of Family Issues},
  pages = {1335--1363},
  publisher = {{SAGE} Publications},
  volume = {43},
  doi = {10.1177/0192513X211022386},
  author = {Davidson, Adrienne M. and Burns, Samantha and Hampton, Delaine and White, Linda and Perlman, Michal},
  month_numeric = {7}
}

Abstract

Many children in Canada and the United States experience poor-quality child care on a regular basis. Under the rubric of “parent choice,” governments continue to permit a variety of licensed care providers (centers and homes) as well as unlicensed home child care providers. Research suggests, however, that parents are not well-informed consumers about child care services, unaware of even the basic characteristics of their child’s care. In this study, we provide findings from a latent profile analysis based on a conjoint survey conducted in Toronto, Canada to better understand the factors that influence parents’ decisions in selecting child care services. Based on responses from over 700 parents, we identify five classes of parents that reflect a range of preferences in selecting child care. However, most groups show a strong preference for licensed early childhood education and care (ECEC) options. Limitations of this study and implications for policy are discussed.