Data from the National Longitudinal Survey show that most employed mothers rely on relatives for child care, particularly low-income mothers. Weekly expenditures averaged $45 for older mothers to $60 for younger mothers. Lower-income women were more likely to have gaps in employment because of child care problems. (SK)

Examination of data from the National Longitudinal Survey of Youth found that a woman's wages relate positively to early return to work after childbirth; higher family income delays return; income did not affect child care choice; greater child care tax credits increased early return; and tax credits did not affect child care choice, but predicted…

Data from 971 mothers suggested that (1) price is critical in child care choice; (2) parents do not consistently select high quality care; and (3) mothers with higher wages and families with higher incomes prefer center care. Vouchers, reduced fees, or tax credits consistently increase use of day care centers. (SK)

Child-care arrangements of young working mothers were examined in a study using data from the Youth cohort of the National Longitudinal Surveys of Labor Market Experience. The data provided information on a sample of young men and women who were between the ages of 14 and 22 in 1979 and who have been interviewed annually since then. The data…