Locational Problems and Preferences in Preschool Child Care

With the increased use of formal child care, the number of child care alternatives has grown. The locational problems and preferences of University of Connecticut employees who use formal child care for children under age 6 are examined because an on-site program is available as one option. Difficulty finding care at a convenient location is related to residential location. Preference for worksite care decreases with increasing commuting distance. Variations in reported locational preferences by commuting zone are consistent with the notion of locating services within the activity spaces of the users. As commuting distance increases, worksite day care represents a greater displacement from the activity spaces of the child and possibly of other family members.