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ERIC Number: ED672673
Record Type: Non-Journal
Publication Date: 2025
Pages: 7
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: N/A
EISSN: N/A
Available Date: 0000-00-00
Balancing Priorities: Foster Parents' Child Care Search and Selection Process
Nancy Perez; Todd Grindal; Kirby Chow; Sheila Smith; Nicola Edge; Maribel Granja
SRI Education, a Division of SRI International
The Arkansas Office of Early Childhood is collaborating with SRI International, the National Center for Children in Poverty, and the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences to learn about the supply, quality, and stability of early care and education (ECE) for children in foster care, as well as the facilitators and barriers to children in foster care accessing high-quality ECE. This brief presents findings from a survey of Arkansas foster parents about how they navigate the process of finding ECE and the factors they prioritize when selecting an ECE program. Key findings from this brief include: (1) Foster families reported relying more on their own labor and community rather than outside helper institutions to find ECE programs; (2) Fewer than half of foster parents reported considering or obtaining information about accessing high-quality, publicly funded ECE through Head Start, Early Head Start, or Arkansas Better Chance (state-funded preschool); and (3) When searching for ECE, foster parents prioritized practical considerations that enable them to accept and maintain placements over factors related to quality and staff training. We also share recommendations and implications for state leaders seeking to improve access to ECE for young children in foster care. [This brief was created in collaboration with the Arkansas Department of Human Services, Division of Children and Family Services (DCFS).]
SRI International. 333 Ravenswood Avenue, Menlo Park, CA 94025. Tel: 650-859-2000; e-mail: customer.service@sri.com; Web site: https://www.sri.com/
Related Records: ED672672
Publication Type: Reports - Research
Education Level: Early Childhood Education
Audience: Policymakers
Language: English
Authoring Institution: SRI Education; National Center for Children in Poverty (NCCP); Arkansas Department of Education, Office of Early Childhood (DESE/OEC); University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS)
Identifiers - Location: Arkansas
Grant or Contract Numbers: HHS2022ACFOPRE90YEO289
Author Affiliations: N/A