Statistical Highlights from the National Child Care Consumer Study.

This summary, which provides statistical and analytical highlights from a survey of current patterns of child care use in the United States, is intended to serve as an introduction to a four-volume report. Encompassing 4,000 one-hour interviews administered to a nationwide sample of households with at least one child under fourteen, the study's conception of child care embodies a broad range of program types. Summary statistics are presented from responses to questions on: basic characteristics of households involved; type and extent of child care used; why and by whom; cost of care; consumer attitudes; and the role of the public. Analytical highlights emphasize the significance of child age, parent employment and marital status in the need for child care services, while also dealing with the great variety of types of care, cost of care and government role. (Author/BF)