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ABSTRACT
In order to understand Latina mothers’ choices of childcare for their children ages birth to five, a qualitative study of 42 Latina mothers (ages 18 to 43) from Southern California was conducted. Research has found that work status, school status, mother’s level of education, acculturation, household composition, income level, and neighborhood resources play a role in how mothers choose childcare for their children. A descriptive analysis based on these six factors is presented. In order to capture a more in-depth understanding of Latina mothers’ choices of childcare, a Funds of Knowledge framework was used. This research found that choices of childcare differed for infants and preschool-aged children with Latina mothers preferring to stay home and care for their infants while preferring a combination of care for their preschool-aged children where their child attends a preschool center to obtain academic and social experience. This study also found that Latina mothers’ childcare choices were complex and influenced by confianza (trust), the mothers’ upbringings, and value in their child’s education and socialization. While these factors were important, finding a balance meant financial sacrifices. Implications for practitioners, policymakers, and researchers are discussed.
Disclosure statement
No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author.