Chapter 1

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See feedback in the attached problem statement. With a slight revision, I believe that this can be transformed from a social problem on the family to a business problem on daycare services offered to low-income families.

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Optimizing Workforce Participation and Retention: Investing in High-Quality Childcare
for Low-Income Families to Offer a Strategic Solution
Chapter 1
Chantelle Bonds
Northcentral University
DIS-9901A v3: Components of the Dissertation
Dr. Melodi Guilbault
January 10, 2024
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Table of Contents
Chapter 1……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 3
Relevance and Importance of the Research Topic ……………………………………………………………………….. 5
Background: Topic research and its practical and theoretical significance …………………………………… 6
Statement of the Problem ………………………………………………………………………………………………………… 8
Purpose of the Study………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… 9
Introduction to Theoretical Framework ……………………………………………………………………………………. 10
Key Concepts and Relations …………………………………………………………………………………………………. 10
Relevant to the Studies ……………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 11
Guiding the Research Decisions ……………………………………………………………………………………………. 12
Integration of Multiple Frameworks ……………………………………………………………………………………… 12
Introduction to Research Methodology and Design ……………………………………………………………………. 12
Qualitative Research Questions ……………………………………………………………………………………………….. 14
Summary ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 14
References ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 16
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Chapter 1
In the intricate weave of societal advancement, the provision of high-quality childcare
services emerges as a pivotal determinant, exerting far-reaching influence on the fabric of
individual families and the broader socio-economic milieu. The quality of care for a child
determines their mental and physical development, which influences their future (Cohen &
Strong, 2020). The complex relationship between childcare quality and family outcomes
demands extensive research to understand how they affect each other. Some studies indicate that
the family outcome is dependent on the quality care of a child, while at the same time, the quality
care of a child is dependent on the family’s income (Cuartas, 2022; Sano et al., 2021). The
interlinkage between childcare and family outcomes suggests that policies enabling longer
working hours should consider the potential impact on employee productivity, engagement, and
retention. Through this study, it is possible to seek to understand their relationship by examining
the socio-ecological contexts, theoretical foundations, key concepts, and notions around the
subject of study. Therefore, this study will delineate the intricate relationship between childcare
quality and the well-being of children from low-income families by examining the costeffectiveness of different childcare models and interventions in improving child outcomes,
potentially leading to increased productivity and lower social welfare costs in the long run. For
instance, Naumann (2022) asserts that quality childcare can lead to benefits like gender equality
in society. Therefore, according to this research, it is argued that investing in high-quality
childcare services not only improves employee productivity and economic stability in lowincome communities but also positions businesses as key contributors to societal development
through strategic initiatives and policy advocacy.
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The cascading effects of high-quality childcare transcend conventional economic
dimensions, reaching into the educational trajectories and societal contributions of the children
involved. By providing a secure and nurturing environment, quality childcare equips children to
excel academically, laying the groundwork for future success (Sano et al., 2021). Moreover, it
plays a vital role in crime prevention, offering structured supervision that diminishes the risk of
delinquent behavior (Holtermann, 2019). The provision of high-quality childcare services is an
essential lifeline for low-income families, offering them the invaluable flexibility needed to
maintain employment and pursue educational opportunities (Holtermann, 2019). By ensuring
that their children receive attentive care, parents can extend their working hours without
compromising the well-being of their offspring. This, in turn, fosters economic stability within
these families, breaking the cycle of financial vulnerability. Quality daycare services contribute
significantly to the educational trajectory of children from low-income backgrounds
(Holtermann, 2019). With a secure and enriching environment, kids are better positioned to excel
in school, setting the foundation for a brighter future (Holtermann, 2019). As parents seize the
opportunity to work longer hours, invest in education, and secure a stable income, the likelihood
of the family falling into poverty diminishes. Beyond economic implications, these childcare
services play a pivotal role in crime prevention, offering children a structured and supervised
setting that reduces the risk of delinquent behavior. Furthermore, the intersection of high-quality
childcare services and business engagement extends beyond social concerns to the pivotal role
companies play in addressing familial needs. Businesses contribute by recognizing the strategic
importance of childcare in fostering a productive workforce. Implementing on-site childcare
facilities or flexible work arrangements demonstrates a commitment to employee well-being and
family support. Further, corporate initiatives investing in community childcare programs can
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bridge accessibility gaps for low-income families. By identifying opportunities and advocating
for supportive policies, businesses become integral partners in cultivating an environment where
the synergy between economic prosperity and family welfare flourishes. This study essentially
argues that strategic implementation of high-quality childcare services by businesses not only
alleviates immediate economic hardships for low-income families but also serves as a driving
force towards wider social progress, positioning businesses as key players in creating a fairer and
prosperous future through strategic initiatives and policy advocacy.
Relevance and Importance of the Research Topic
Businesses today need to find out how low-income families are affected by high-quality
childcare. Thus, understanding how childcare facilities impact employee well-being and on-thejob productivity is crucial for businesses to shape policies that support extended working hours
while minimizing burnout and turnover. This is a pressing issue of concern as there is no quality
daycare service in low-income homes. Quality childcare is vital to early childhood development
according to many studies such as Sano et al. (2021), which also contribute to mental, physical
health and psychological well-being among others. It therefore becomes important to understand
the business implications of offering good childcare services during this period of human life
cycle. As far as policy making is concerned this research works as an essential tool for relevant
authorities who aim at enabling businesses facilitate extended working hours for parents,
increase job retention and promote continued education atmosphere respectively. Through
investigating what impact high quality daycare centers have on different groups, businesses can
make valuable contributions towards the welfare improvement both within low income families
as well as with their counterparts from high income earners bracket. In societal development
processes, businesses act as key actors hence understanding effects resulting from good child
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care provided through this study leads into making environment that supports equity creation
between various groups leading to improved lives for children and their families in general
terms.
Background: Topic research and its practical and theoretical significance
The study of high-quality childcare services for low-income families is a pertinent topic
to understand. Community members need to understand it, while relevant authorities or
organizations need to understand. The absence of quality care services in low-income regions has
far-reaching implications. According to Cuartas (2022), the lack of high-quality childcare
services compromises a child’s early development. As a result, their cognitive and mental state is
impaired. Studies have shown that low-income regions often lack access to quality daycare
services or programs, which contributes to the impairment of a child’s social and cognitive
development (Sano et al., 2021). The child’s ability to succeed in their education, graduate high
school, or have opportunities to break free from the poverty lifecycle declines. Due to this
situation, where the poverty lifecycle is persistent in low-income communities, issues of crime,
substance abuse, and mental health increase (Schickedanz et al., 2021). According to Cuartas
(2022), the context of the impact of the lack of quality daycare services in a low-income
community implies that there is a need for the government and other relevant authorities
(government and non-governmental agencies) to establish regulations, policies, or programs that
will improve the quality of services to enhance the community’s overall welfare and economic
state. A comprehensive study on this topic is essential to address these gaps and provide a
holistic understanding of the challenges and opportunities surrounding childcare quality in lowincome communities. In conclusion, it is important to acknowledge that high-quality childcare
services are vital for low-income families. Therefore, it is necessary for businesses, government
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bodies and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) to work together in order to establish
regulations, policies or programs. Addressing the gaps in childcare quality in low-income
communities would be a major contribution made by businesses towards improving community
welfare and economic wellbeing as such an environment would facilitate continued social and
economic progress.
For low-income families, finding affordable, high-quality daycare services is a challenge.
It obstructs their ability to work and attain economic independence. For instance, when there is a
lack of quality daycare services, a parent is forced to stay home to look after their child
(Schickedanz et al., 2021). As a result, their ability to advance their career or get close to
employment opportunities is compromised. There is a need for a practical solution that enhances
the affordability and availability of quality daycare services to low-income communities.
Availing such services will have far-reaching consequences on low-income families and the
larger society.
Several factors have contributed to the availability of poor-quality daycare services in
low-income families. According to Cuartas (2022), the widening racial and ethnic divide has
affected children’s early development and parental well-being. Due to poor quality childcare
services, the cycle of poverty has persisted in low-income communities, which impacts their
social and economic state. The situation where a parent takes care of their child due to the
unavailability of high-quality services renders a parent unable to break free from the poverty
cycle. However, parents’ poverty cycle would likely change if there were quality and affordable
daycare services in low-income regions. They will face many opportunities that will enhance
their well-being and ability to take care of their families effectively.
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Statement of the Problem
The problem to be addressed is the scarcity of readily accessible, high-quality daycare
services for low-income families. In the U.S. alone, an estimated 52 million working parents lack
access to affordable, high-quality childcare, disproportionately impacting low-income families.
This shortage significantly hinders workforce participation and productivity, leading to
decreased economic stability and growth for businesses and families (Sano et al., 2021). The lack
of accessible and quality daycare services makes it harder for parents, especially low-income
ones, to work, progress, and contribute to the workforce.
Businesses must acknowledge that affordable and reliable daycare facilities significantly
impact their labor dynamics beyond their moral commitment to help their communities (Cuartas,
2022). Quality childcare attracts and retains talented, dedicated workers, improving satisfaction,
loyalty, and productivity. Daycare investments improve CSR, community, and business.
Businesses save on attrition and recruitment with a stable, engaged workforce. Eliminating the
childcare gap becomes philanthropic and vital to establishing resilient, sustainable, and socially
responsible businesses when corporations realize the relationship between social impact and
commercial performance.
Despite a documented shortage of high-quality daycare services disproportionately
impacting low-income families, an estimated 52 million working parents in the U.S. alone lack
access. Current research primarily focuses on quantifying the economic impact of this shortage
while understanding the lived experiences and specific challenges low-income families face in
accessing quality daycare remains understudied. This qualitative research gap hinders the
development of targeted solutions and effective policy interventions. By delving deeper into the
barriers low-income families encounter, we can design innovative business models and policy
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levers that genuinely address the needs of this vulnerable population, ultimately empowering
economic stability and workforce participation. (Araujo et al., 2021). This research attempts to
illuminate these complexities and provide actionable insights for businesses to support their
employees, assisting low-income areas to grow economically.
Purpose of the Study
This study employs qualitative methods, like in-depth interviews and focus groups, to
better understand the lived experiences and specific challenges low-income families face in
accessing quality daycare services. This study investigates the relationships between the quality
of childcare services and the workforce participation and productivity of low-income families,
considering the potential economic impact within a Socio-Ecological framework. The study has
three major objectives: first, it aims at determining how high-quality daycare services affect the
economic stability of low-income families; second, it seeks to explore how individual
characteristics such as childcare quality relate with environmental factors like socioeconomic
status, which in turn influence family welfare; thirdly, it investigates how government policies
can moderate business practices thereby impacting complex interactions among various
stakeholders. This research adopts an ethnographic approach, employing participant observation
and in-depth interviews to comprehensively explore the lives of families utilizing childcare
services in various low-income locations in Arizona. This method allows researchers to uncover
tacit knowledge and unspoken experiences, providing a nuanced understanding of the cultural,
social, and economic factors influencing families’ childcare decisions. The 50-60 families
selected will represent diverse socioeconomic backgrounds, ensuring a comprehensive
exploration of the subject. To gain a more comprehensive view of the experiences of families
who are using childcare services in different low-income areas, this research applies an
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ethnographic approach, which involves participant observations as well as in-depth interviews, to
unearth significant information concerning cultural, social and economic factors that shape
families’ childcare decisions for strategic business considerations.
Introduction to Theoretical Framework
The guiding framework for this research is the Socio-Ecological Model (SEM). It is a
theoretical framework that explores the intricate connections between people and their
communities. The framework acknowledges the interplay of various factors affecting human
behavior and well-being across all levels: interpersonal, individual, community, and societal
(Brinkman et al., 2021). The framework postulates that changes at one level might have knockon consequences across other levels, altering the course of events for individuals and families.
Key Concepts and Relations
1. Individual Level: The quality of childcare programs is fundamental at the individual
level. Howden-Chapman et al. (2023) found that the quality of childcare services available to
low-income families substantially impacted children’s and parents’ well-being. Suitable for both
kids and parents, high-quality childcare services help kids grow and thrive.
2. Interpersonal Level: The socioeconomic status of the family, including its income,
work prospects, food security, and financial sufficiency, is taken into account at the interpersonal
level (Sano et al., 2021). At this stage, family well-being is vital; it encompasses the material,
psychological, and social conditions of domestic life. Parents can better provide for their children
and maintain stable employment when they have access to high-quality childcare options.
3. Community Level: The community level in the SEM recognizes the significance of
one’s immediate surroundings and the resources accessible to the family unit. The effects of
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childcare services on family well-being include neighborhood quality, access to support
resources, and community agencies (Wang et al., 2023).
4. Societal Level: At the societal level are the more extensive policies, cultural norms,
and social structures that may either help or hurt low-income families’ access to effective
childcare services (Pyo et al., 2023). Allocation of social resources and policies may impact the
cost and accessibility of childcare, which in turn can affect the well-being of families.
Relevant to the Studies
The Socio-Ecological Model directs the expression of important ideas relevant to the
study’s focus. According to Howden-Chapman et al. (2023), high-quality childcare facilities
provide substantial advantages to low-income families by positively improving their economic
stability. This means that access to high-quality childcare services has the potential to alleviate
economic hardship in low-income households.
Individual elements such as childcare quality, as well as environmental factors such as
socioeconomic status and neighborhood circumstances, all play important roles in determining
family well-being (Sano et al., 2021; Wang et al., 2022). This emphasizes the linked nature of
these components, underlining the importance of taking into account both individual and
environmental dimensions for a complete knowledge of the complicated dynamics influencing
family welfare in the field of childcare services.
Furthermore, the relationship between childcare quality and family well-being is affected
by community and societal factors such as neighborhood quality and social policies (Pyo et al.,
2023). This realization emphasizes the larger contextual elements that impact the complicated
link between childcare quality and overall family well-being. In essence, neighborhood and
cultural variables emerge as key influences on childcare intervention outcomes.
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Guiding the Research Decisions
The Socio-Ecological Model guided the problem statement by providing a holistic
understanding of how inadequate childcare services may impair family well-being. The paradigm
stressed the need to study childcare and families’ social, economic, and environmental contexts.
The framework also inspired the mission statement by emphasizing the need to study factor
interactions and their impacts on family well-being. The SEM’s focus on several dimensions
allowed researchers to examine how personal, social, neighborhood, and societal factors affect
low-income families. The conceptual framework shaped the study subjects. They want to study
how socioeconomic status, neighborhood quality, and social policies moderate the association
between childcare quality and family well-being.
Integration of Multiple Frameworks
Although the Socio-Ecological Model provides a primary theoretical framework guiding
the research process, its research design integrates the findings of numerous studies (Brinkman et
al., 2021; Howden-Chapman, 2023; Pyo, 2023; Sano, 2021; Wang, 2023). This comprehensive
literature provided additional dimensions and components to structure and model the research
framework to enhance the audience’s understanding of the research topic. Thus, the SocioEcological Model is beneficial for studying how low-quality childcare affects low-income
families’ economic stability. It guides researchers through investigating several levels of impact
and constructing the problem statement, purpose statement, and research questions to assist them
in understanding the complex processes affecting vulnerable families.
Introduction to Research Methodology and Design
Understanding the intricate relationship between childcare quality and family well-being
in low-income neighborhoods requires going beyond numbers. This qualitative research
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technique promotes rich and nuanced narratives above data aggregates. This methodology lets us
examine families’ lives, reveal the complex socioeconomic factors affecting their access to
quality childcare, and find better solutions to this critical business issue. This qualitative
approach uses several ways to depict these families’ realities vividly. In-depth interviews will be
our primary tool for open, trustworthy conversations about childcare experiences, hopes, and
obstacles. We will also use focus groups to explore neighborhood dynamics. This multifaceted
approach helps comprehend individual and collective narratives impacting family well-being in
under-resourced environments the approach uses numerous qualitative methodologies to give a
vivid picture of these families’ realities. Our primary tool will be in-depth interviews,
encouraging participants to share their childcare experiences, hopes, and challenges. Community
viewpoints and dynamics will be explored through focus group talks. Our multi-faceted approach
helps us understand the individual and collective narratives driving family well-being in underresourced environments.
Additionally, it examines the complex socio-ecological framework and provides a broad
contextually embedded understanding of low-income families’ experiences. According to Jarvie
(2012), qualitative research can explore the complex relationship between childcare quality and
family well-being. It captures people’s viewpoints, experiences, and narratives for an in-depth
analysis. The project seeks qualitative data from low-income families, childcare providers, and
community members through in-depth interviews and focus groups. The study’s goals of
exposing the intricate relationships between childcare quality and family well-being within the
socio-ecological framework fit the qualitative phenomenological technique. The chosen method
and design enable a deeper understanding of individuals’ perspectives and experiences than
quantitative approaches. This allows an exploration of multi-dimensional influences on family
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outcomes in the context of childcare availability and quality, aligning with the problem, goal,
and phenomenological research objectives.
Qualitative Research Questions
RQ1: How does variations in childcare program quality shape the economic stability of
low-income families?
RQ2: How can businesses work with local communities and policymakers to help lowincome families find reliable childcare that improves work-life balance and job satisfaction?
RQ3: How does childcare quality affect low-income families’ financial security, and how
can businesses use support mechanisms like childcare assistance programs or flexible work
arrangements to mitigate the economic impact and improve employee well-being?
RQ4: How do low-income families choose a childcare provider, and what partnerships or
initiatives can businesses take to ensure that their childcare options meet the diverse needs of
their workforce, helping families and society grow economically?
Summary
In conclusion, this business-based research shows how low-income regions’ lack of highquality daycare options affects families’ economic well-being. The study correlates with
corporate studies by emphasizing the importance of affordable and reliable childcare services in
labor productivity and stability. The identified problem shows that high-quality daycare is not
just a social issue but essential for low-income families’ economic success. This study underlines
the link between family results, economic stability, and productivity as organizations prioritize
workforce well-being. The socio-ecological model-based research examines how childcare
services affect low-income families, using qualitative methodologies to explore these
interactions. The findings, which are relevant to business, suggest strategic interventions that use
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high-quality childcare to build a resilient, satisfied, and committed workforce, supporting lowincome businesses’ social responsibility and sustainable growth goals.
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References
Araujo, M. C., Dormal, M., Grantham-McGregor, S., Lazarte, F., Rubio-Codina, M., & Schady,
N. (2021). Home visiting at scale and child development. Journal of Public Economics
Plus, 2, 100003. https://doi.org/10.1016/J.PUBECP.2021.100003
Cuartas, J. (2022). The effect of maternal education on parenting and early childhood
development: An instrumental variables approach. Journal of Family Psychology : JFP :
Journal of the Division of Family Psychology of the American Psychological Association
(Division 43), 36(2), 280–290. https://doi.org/10.1037/FAM0000886
Fitzpatrick, A., & Beam, E. (2023). Improving childcare quality through social franchising. AEA
Randomized Controlled Trials. https://doi.org/10.1257/rct.11747
Holtermann, A. (2019). Goldilocks work – childcare: Can childcare work be designed to promote
physical activity, fitness and General Health in childcare workers? Http://Isrctn.Com/.
https://doi.org/10.1186/isrctn15644757
Naumann, I. (2022). Why good childcare provision is important for gender equality. Futurum
Careers. https://doi.org/10.33424/futurum321
Pyo, J., Lee, W., Choi, E. Y., Jang, S. G., & Ock, M. (2023). Qualitative research in healthcare:
Necessity and Characteristics. Journal of Preventive Medicine and Public Health, 56(1),
12. https://doi.org/10.3961/JPMPH.22.451
Sano, Y., Mammen, S., & Houghten, M. (2021). Well-being and stability among low-income
families: A 10-Year review of research. Journal of Family and Economic Issues,
42(Suppl 1), 107. https://doi.org/10.1007/S10834-020-09715-7
Schickedanz, A., Szilagyi, P. G., & Dreyer, B. (2021). Child poverty and health in the United
States: Introduction and Executive Summary. Academic Pediatrics, 21(8S), S81–S85.
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https://doi.org/10.1016/J.ACAP.2021.09.003

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