Effects of nonparental child care on child development: An update

Journal/Book: Can J Psychiatry. 1996; 41: Suite 200, 237 Argyle Ave, Ottawa on K2P 1B8, Canada. Canadian Psychiatric Assoc. 330-342.

Abstract: Objective: To review the published literature on the effects of nonparental and out-of-home care on infants, toddlers, and preschoolers. Method: Narrative literature review. Results: Although substantial controversy persists, the accumulated evidence suggests that nonparental care does no necessarily have either beneficial or detrimental effects on infants and children, although it can have such effects. In some circumstances, careproviders establish relationships with children that have significant effects on development, and this increases the importance of ensuring that careproviders are well trained, behave sensitively, and are stable rather than ephemeral figures in children's lives. Nonparental care is associated with behaviour problems (including aggression and noncompliance) when the care is of poor quality and opportunities for meaningful relationships with stable careproviders are not available, however. Conclusion: The effects of out-of-home care vary depending on the quality of care as well as the characteristics of individual children, including their age, temperaments, and individual backgrounds.

Note: Review ME Lamb, Nichhd, Sect Social & Emot Dev, 9190 Rockville Pike, Bethesda, MD 20814 USA

Keyword(s): day care; nursery school; infants; preschoolers; nonparental care; INFANT DAY-CARE; NATIONAL LONGITUDINAL SURVEY; LOW-INCOME FAMILIES; MATERNAL EMPLOYMENT; SOCIAL COMPETENCE; SOCIOEMOTIONAL DEVELOPMENT; SUBSTITUTE CAREGIVERS; SWEDISH PRESCHOOLERS; HOME CARE; ATTACHMENT

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