Examining the provision of child care subsidies across Missouri counties : the relationship between local dynamics and CCDF subsidy supply

Abstract

[ACCESS RESTRICTED TO THE UNIVERSITY OF MISSOURI AT REQUEST OF AUTHOR.] Previous research on child care subsidies and welfare programs has largely focused on examining individual characteristics associated with program participation, the role of social networks in program participation, and to a lesser extent differences in program participation and availability by location. The research presented here goes beyond previous studies and takes as the starting point for analysis the provision of social services. Specifically, this study uses administrative data to examine factors associated with the provision of Child Care and Development Fund subsidies across counties in Missouri. Additionally, interviews are conducted with child care providers in counties across Missouri in an effort to further understand the subsidy system from the perspective of providers who comprise a previously understudied but integral group within the CCDF subsidy system.