Child Care Decisions among Female Heads of Households with School-Age Children.

Depth interviews with 16 urban female heads of households (FHHs) were the basis of this qualitative study on decisions regarding child care for school-age children. FHHs attempted to choose care that was compatible with their role as provider and with their resources. Resources included knowledge of caregivers and settings, network support, and material resources (income and car). Women who had limited resources and restrictive provider roles functioned by forced choice and were at risk for decisions that violated their own goals and values. Feelings, values, and children's opinions played a role in decisions.