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-9901B v3: Components of the Dissertation
Dr. Melodi Guilbault
March 3, 2024
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Table of Contents
Chapter 1 ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 1
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 ………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 10
Introduction to Conceptual Framework ………………………………………………………………………… 11
Key Concepts and Relations …………………………………………………………………………………….. 11
Relevant to the Studies ……………………………………………………………………………………………. 12
Guiding the Research Decisions ……………………………………………………………………………….. 13
Integration of Multiple Frameworks………………………………………………………………………….. 13
Introduction to Research Methodology and Design ………………………………………………………… 13
Research Questions ……………………………………………………………………………………………………. 15
Summary ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 16
References ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… 16
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Chapter 1
In the intricate weave of societal advancement, providing high-quality childcare services
emerges as a pivotal determinant, exerting far-reaching influence on the fabric of individual
families and the broader socioeconomic 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 full time employment should
consider the potential impact on employee productivity, engagement, and retention. Through this
study, it is possible 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 cost-effectiveness of different childcare
models and interventions in improving child outcomes, potentially leading to increased
productivity and lower social welfare costs in the long run as highlighted by the social return on
investment (SROI) framework.
The SROI framework is a concept used for measuring the value of social and
environmental outcomes on an intervention (Blanden et al., 2022). It helps one quantify the
benefits of early childhood education and care for children and society regarding increased
productivity, health, reduced social welfare, and enhanced social cohesion (Janta et al., 2016).
For instance, Naumann (2022) asserts that quality childcare can lead to benefits like gender
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equality in society. Therefore, according to this research, it is argued that investing in highquality childcare services not only improves employee productivity and economic stability in
low-income communities but also positions businesses as critical contributors to societal
development through strategic initiatives and policy advocacy.
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). Providing high-quality childcare services is an essential
lifeline for low-income families, offering them the invaluable flexibility to maintain employment
and pursue educational opportunities (Holtermann, 2019). With quality childcare services in
place, parents can effectively concentrate on their work, thus improving their work performance
without affecting the welfare or well-being of their children. In turn, it 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). With the opportunities
presented to parents due to the establishment of quality childcare services, securing stable
income, the ability to helping in paying for expenses and boosting the budget work and securing
a better job, the likelihood of families falling into poverty declines. Quality childcare services
enable parents to have ample time for working. Apart from time, quality daycare services
stabilize parentsÂ’ mental health. Beyond economic implications, these childcare services play a
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