Differences in Child Care Participation Between Immigrant and Nonimmigrant Families

Abstract

This study used data from the Survey on Early Learning and Child Care Arrangements (SELCCA) and the Longitudinal Immigration Database (IMDB) to examine patterns of child care use among Canadian immigrant and nonimmigrant families. Overall, children from immigrant backgrounds were less likely to be in child care. When considering only those in child care, children from immigrant families were more likely to be in licensed care than those from nonimmigrant families. Parents of children with immigrant backgrounds indicated various reasons for not enrolling their child in child care. Ensuring access to child care may have a positive impact on immigrant families.