Family child care providers’ perceptions of competence, autonomy, and relatedness: implications for well-being and professional growth

ABSTRACT Because a preponderance of research on family child care has centered on children’s experiences, little is known about the effects of caring for these children on the providers themselves. Available research further lessens when intersecting identities and vulnerabilities of family child care providers are considered, as many of them are women, people of color, and/or of immigrant origin. Based on the views of 17 providers from diverse backgrounds, the present qualitative case study explored family child care providers’ experiences of competence, autonomy, and relatedness as key elements of their work. Analyses confirmed the importance of these well-being dimensions, especially as they relate to providers from diverse cultures. We offer recommendations for practices aimed at strengthening both family child care provider and community capacity to provide high quality child care for young children.