Early Child Care Effects on Later Behavioral Outcomes Using a Canadian Nation-Wide Sample

Abstract

This study investigated the effects of child care type, quantity, and quality on later behavioral outcomes (e.g., hyperactivity-inattention, internalizing behavior). We used data from the Canadian National Longitudinal Survey of Children and Youth to examine child care characteristics for children 0-11 months who were using child care (N = 365). Multiple regressions tested the impact of child care, while taking into account child and family variables, on behavioral outcomes at 6-7 years. Interactions between child care and family variables also were tested. Findings indicated that a regulated child care environment was associated with positive behavioral outcomes, even six years after the start of child care. Results also demonstrated that child care quality interacts with family variables to influence behavioral outcomes.