Childcare Needs Assessment Report

Fall 2006

March 8, 2007

Report prepared by: Survey developed by:

Budget, Planning and Analysis Budget, Planning and Analysis;

Child and Family Study Center
Institutional Research
Meridith Wentz, Sally Bosshart
Contact: Moe Hendricks
Sally Bosshart
Rebecca Humphrey, GA
Katherine Hosley, GA

Report Prepared for: Distribution of report:

Provost, Provost,
Child and Family Study Center Child and Family Study Center

Julie Furst-Bowe, Moe Hendricks Julie Furst-Bowe, Moe Hendricks

 Childcare Needs Assessment Report

Executive Summary
The following summary highlights the findings from the Childcare Needs Assessment
sent to students in fall 2006. This needs assessment was conducted as part of a larger
study to evaluate the impact and effectiveness of how Access to Learning dollars are
spent. The response rate for this study was 29%.

Main findings:

Need for Childcare

• Respondents were asked to rate the importance of the availability of childcare
to themselves, to the campus community in retaining students, and to potential
new students in recruitment. Mean student ratings ranged from 2.33 to 3.06
on a four-point scale and were lower than the 2002 survey. There were some
differences by gender and class level.

• Over 54% (583) of the respondents currently have children or plan to add
children to their household in the next five years.

• A total of 41% of students with children reported that they have children that
were infant/toddlers. Additionally, 47% had pre-school aged children and
42% had school aged children.

• The most common types of childcare reported were a “relative in your home
or theirs,” a “childcare provider in your home or theirs” or “daycare
center/childcare facility other than UW-Stout.”

• The majority of respondents with children indicated that they needed childcare
for all or part of 7:30am to 5:30pm. Additionally, “all or part of 5:30pm to
10:30pm” was chosen by greater than 25% of the respondents and “before
7:30am” and “weekends” were each chosen by 15% or more of the
respondents.

Satisfaction with Childcare

• Mean satisfaction ratings with childcare were higher for students using the
UW-Stout Child and Family Study Center (3.67) than for those using a
different childcare program (3.28).

Evaluation of UW-Stout Child and Family Study Center

• Students who use the UW-Stout Child and Family Study Center were asked to
what extent the center has made it possible for them to: attend college; be
actively involved in their studies; participate in extra-curricular activities; or

1
 interact more with the faculty, staff and students. Students indicated the
highest level of agreement with the center making it possible for them to be
actively involved in their studies and to attend college.

• Almost three-fourths of the students agreed or strongly agreed that the

availability of childcare services until 5:30pm has permitted more flexibility
in their class schedules and 85% agreed or strongly agreed that it has provided
the opportunity to take classes they need to graduate.

• Students who use the UW-Stout Child and Family Study Center were also
asked if the cost for their children to attend the center is reasonable. All
students agreed or strongly agreed that the cost was reasonable.

Students Who Don’t Use UW-Stout Child and Family Study Center
• Students that do not currently use the UW-Stout Child and Family Study
Center indicated that the main reasons that they do not use the center are:
location of the center; no need for childcare; no openings; cost; age of
children; and limited hours/dates of operation for the center.

• Respondents who do not currently use the center were also asked if they
would use the center if openings were available, and which childcare services
that they would use. Fully 57 students indicated that they would use the
center if openings were available. In total, respondents identified a need for
care of 31 infant/toddlers and 36 pre-school children.

Importance of Childcare
• Students were also asked to rate the importance of several different aspects of
childcare services. “Quality of care” and “safe environment” were rated the
most important. Aspects that were rated the least important dealt with the
availability of before school care, after school care, 24-hour care, and year
round care. Some statistically significant differences based on gender,
minority status, and full-time/part-time were found in this question.

Preference of Model or Childcare Program

• Respondents were asked which type of childcare they would prefer that their
child receive care from: a model program (such as the Child and Family Study
Center) or a childcare program. Almost 50% of the students preferred the
model program and an additional 26% preferred either type of program.

2
 Childcare Needs Assessment Report
Full Report

Purpose

The following summary highlights the findings from the Childcare Needs Assessment
sent to students in fall 2006. This needs assessment was conducted as part of a larger
study to evaluate the impact and effectiveness of how Access to Learning dollars are
spent. The survey was administered to a random sample of students in fall 2006 and all
students with children attending the Child and Family Study Center.

In fall 2002, a very similar version of the survey was administered to all students and
staff at UW-Stout as part of the Quality for Women Initiative. The student responses
from that study have been included in this report for comparison. It should be noted that
a much smaller student response was received for the 2002 survey with 225 participants
compared to 1,186 for 2006.

Method

A Childcare Needs Assessment survey was sent to students in fall 2006 (see Appendix A
for a copy of the survey). Half of the fall 2006 student body was randomly selected to
receive the survey. All students with children attending the Child and Family Study
Center were included also. The survey asked for information on need for childcare,
satisfaction with current childcare services, importance of various childcare services, and
demographic information.

Before the survey was deployed, the Director of the Child and Family Study Center
alerted student parents that they would be receiving a survey. Students received an e-
mail invitation to participate in the survey on November 27 from the Budget, Planning
and Analysis Office. Surveys were completed on-line. A follow-up e-mail was sent on
December 7 to students that had not responded.

A total of 1,186 responses were received for a response rate of 29%. Of the respondents
who provided demographic information (13% did not provide information), 21% were
freshmen, 18% were sophomores, 20% were juniors, 27% were seniors, 13% were
graduate students, and 2% were special students. 30% were men and 70% were women,
and 88% were full-time students and 12% were part-time students. 14% indicated that
their spouse/partner attends UW-Stout. In comparison to the total number of students at
UW-Stout, women are over-represented among the survey respondents. The survey
respondents are fairly representative of the total student population on all other
demographic variables (see Tables 1a-1d).

3
 Results

Need for Childcare

All students were asked to respond to three questions dealing with the importance of the
availability of childcare. Respondents were asked to rate the importance to themselves,
to the campus community in retaining students, and to potential new students in
recruitment. Mean student ratings ranged from 2.33 to 3.06 on a four-point scale and
were lower than the 2002 survey (see Figure 1). Ratings were highest for importance to:
the campus community and to potential new students. Some statistically significant
differences were found on some of these ratings. Females and minorities gave all three
statements significantly higher ratings than males and whites. However, minorities had a
considerably lower number of responses than whites (67 and 963, respectively).
Graduate students also gave significantly higher ratings than freshmen for the importance
of childcare for retaining students and the importance of childcare for recruiting students.

Figure 1. The availability of on-campus childcare is important...

3.5

3
Mean

2006
2.5
2002
2

1.5

1
to me to the campus community to potential new
students/job applicants

Source: Childcare needs assessment survey, Fall 2002 and Fall 2006; on a 1-4 scale

Respondents were then asked to indicate if they currently had children 12 and under, if
they planned on adding children to their household in the next five years, or if they did
not have children and did not plan to in the next five years. Responses indicate that over
54% (583) of the respondents currently have children or plan to add children to their
household in the next five years (see Figure 2). More specifically, 13% (142) indicated
that they currently have children and 41% (441) indicated that they do not have children
but may plan to in the next five years. Both of these categories received higher responses
in 2002.

4
 Figure 2. Do you currently have young children (12 & under) OR
plan to add children to your household in the next five years?

100%

90%

80%

70%
Percentage

60%

50%
2006
2002
40%

30%

20%

10%

0%

Yes No, but may have in the No, and don't plan to in
next five years the next five years

Source: Childcare needs assessment survey, Fall 2002 and Fall 2006

A total of 41% of students with children reported that they have children that were
infant/toddlers. Additionally, 47% had pre-school aged children and 42% had school
aged children.

The most common types of childcare reported were a “relative in your home or theirs,” a
“childcare provider in your home or theirs” or “daycare center/childcare facility other
than UW-Stout” (see Figure 3). Over three-fourths of students with children reported
using one of these types of childcare for their children. Additionally, almost 20% of the
students with children reported that they used the “UW-Stout Child and Family Study
Center.” When results were compared to 2002, 11% more students in 2006 selected
“other” than 2002 respondents. Responses given for the “other” category in 2006
included the following types of care: parental care; friend or relative; childcare facility or
before/after school program; or not needed (see Table 2).

5
 Figure 3. Which type of childcare do you now use for your
child(ren)?

100%
90%
80%
70%
Percentage

60%
50% 2006
40% 2002
30%
20%
10%
0%
Relative in your A childcare Day-care Other UW-Stout Child Child takes care of
home or theirs provider in your center/childcare and Family Study self before and
home or theirs facility other than Center after school
UW-Stout

Source: Childcare needs assessment survey, Fall 2002 and Fall 2006

The majority of respondents with children indicated that they needed childcare for all or
part of 7:30am to 5:30pm (see Figure 4). Additionally however, “all or part of 5:30pm to
10:30pm” was chosen by greater than 25% of the respondents and “before 7:30am” and
“weekends” were each chosen by 15% or more of the respondents. In 2002, 3% more
students selected “before 7:30am,” 1% more students selected “all or part of 7:30am to
5:30pm,” 10% more selected “all or part of 5:30pm to 10:30pm,” and 6% more students
selected “weekends” than in 2006.

Figure 4. What time of day do you usually need childcare?

100%
90%
80%
70%
Percentage

60%
2006
50%
2002
40%
30%
20%
10%
0%
Before 7:30am All or part of 7:30am- All or part of 5:30pm- Weekends
5:30pm 10:30pm

Source: Childcare needs assessment survey, Fall 2002 and Fall 2006

6
Satisfaction with Childcare
Respondents reported high ratings of satisfaction with their current childcare program
(see Figure 5). Mean satisfaction ratings were higher for students using the UW-Stout
Child and Family Study Center (3.67) than for those using a different childcare program
(3.28).

Figure 5. Satisfaction with UW-Stout's Child and Family Study Center in

Comparison to other Childcare
UW-Stout Child and Family Study Center Not UW-Stout Child and Familty Study Center

100%

80%
Percentage

60%

40%

20%

0%
Not at all satisfied 2 3 Very satisfied

Source: Childcare needs assessment survey, Fall 2006; on a 1-4 scale

Evaluation of UW-Stout Child and Family Study Center

Fully 27 students who use the UW-Stout Child and Family Study Center completed the
survey. These 27 respondents were asked several questions designed, in part, to assess
the effectiveness of the access to learning funds that were spent on the UW-Stout Child
and Family Study Center. Students were asked to what extent the UW-Stout Child and
Family Study Center has made it possible for them to: attend college; be actively
involved in their studies; participate in extra-curricular activities; or interact more with
the faculty, staff and students.

Students indicated the highest level of agreement with the center making it possible for
them to be actively involved in their studies and to attend college (see Figure 6). This
finding provides support for the fact that the access to learning funds have made it
possible for some student parents to attend college. In contrast, lower ratings were
reported for the UW-Stout Child and Family Study Center making it possible for students
to participate in extra-curricular activities at UW-Stout. However, this response did
receive higher ratings in 2006 compared to 2002. “Be actively involved in my studies”
and “interact more with other students” received higher ratings in 2006 also.

7
 Figure 6. The services of the UW-Stout Child and Family Study Center have
made it possible for me to...

3.5

3
Mean

2006
2.5
2002

1.5

1
be actively involved attend college interact more with interact more with participate in extra-
in my studies other students the faculty and staff curricular activities at
UW-Stout

Source: Childcare needs assessment survey, Fall 2002 and 2006 on a 1-4 scale

A few questions were also asked related to any benefits that were realized from having
the UW-Stout Child and Family Study Center open until 5:30pm, in order to evaluate the
effectiveness of the access to learning dollars that were spent on providing extended care
hours until late afternoon classes are over. Almost three-fourths of the students agreed or
strongly agreed that the availability of childcare services until 5:30pm has permitted more
flexibility in their class schedules and 85% agreed or strongly agreed that it has provided
the opportunity to take classes they need to graduate.

Students who use the UW-Stout Child and Family Study Center were also asked if the
cost for their children to attend the center is reasonable. All students agreed or strongly
agreed that the cost was reasonable (see Figure 7). In 2002, 8% of students strongly
disagreed with this statement.

8
 Figure 7. The cost for my child(ren) to attend the UW-Stout Child and Family
Study Center is reasonable

100%
90%
80%
70%
Percentage

60% 2006
50% 2002
40%
30%
20%
10%
0%
Strongly disagree 2 3 Strongly agree

Source: Childcare needs assessment survey, Fall 2002 and Fall 2006

These students were asked what additional special needs or accommodations would they
want the UW-Stout childcare services to provide. Comments included expanded hours
and change in class size/availability (see Table 3).

Why respondents do NOT currently use the UW-Stout Child and Family Study Center
Students who have children that do NOT attend UW-Stout’s Child and Family Study
Center (105) were asked why their child does not attend the center, and if they would use
the center if openings were available. Respondents were asked to choose from several
response options regarding why their child does not attend UW-Stout’s Child and Family
Study Center. They were also given the opportunity to write in “other” reasons that were
not listed as response options. The main reasons that were reported were (see Table 4):
o Location of the center
o No need for childcare
o No openings
o Cost
o Age of children (too old/too young)
o Limited hours/dates of operation for the center

Respondents who do not currently use the center were also asked if they would use the
center if openings were available, and which childcare services that they would use.
Fully 57 students indicated that they would use the center if openings were available. In
total, respondents identified a need for care of 31 infant/toddlers and 36 pre-school
children (see Figure 8). In 2002, only 14 infant/toddlers and 13 pre-school children were
identified as needing care.

9
 Figure 8. Number of people that would use UW-Stout's Child and
Family Study Center if openings were available

40

35
Number of Respondents

30

25
2006
20 2002

15

10

0
Number that would use Number that would use pre-school
infant/toddler care care

Source: Childcare needs assessment survey, Fall 2002 and Fall 2006

Importance of Services
Students were also asked to rate the importance of several different aspects of childcare
services. Both respondents with children and those who are thinking about adding
children to their household in the next five years responded to these questions. “Quality
of care” and “safe environment” were rated the most important. These were rated the
most important in 2002 also (see Table 5). In 2006, 14 of the 19 aspects listed had mean
ratings of higher than 3.00 on a 4-point scale. Aspects that were rated the least important
dealt with the availability of before school care, after school care, 24-hour care, and year
round care. Availability of care for special needs children was also rated lower.

Several statistically significant differences were found for this question. Females
reported significantly higher ratings than men for 16 out of the 19 aspects. Minorities
also reported significantly higher ratings than whites for 12 of the aspects and fulltime
students reported significantly higher ratings than part-time students for “care for special
needs child,” “availability of sick care,” “cost,” “availability of before school care,” and
“availability of 24-hour care.” However, it should be noted that minorities (N=41) and
part-time students (N=74) had lower response numbers than whites (N=495) and full time
students (N=462). Also, freshmen students gave “availability of sick care” significantly
higher ratings than juniors or graduate students.

All students were asked what additional special needs or accommodations would they
want a childcare program to provide. Comments included topics regarding the learning
environment, expanded hours, qualified staff, and special needs (see Table 6).

10
Model Program vs. Childcare Center
Respondents were asked one question dealing with the difference between a model
program and a childcare center. Respondents were provided with a definition of a model
program and a childcare center and asked if they understand the difference between the
two programs. A total of 82% of students agreed or strongly agreed that they understood
the difference (see Figure 9). In 2002, 97% of students understood the difference. A
statistically significant difference was found between ratings for graduate students and
ratings for sophomores and juniors. Graduate students understood the difference more
than the sophomore and junior respondents.

F ig u re 9 . I u n d e rs ta n d th e d iffe re n c e b e tw e e n a m o d e l p ro g ra m
a n d a c h ild c a re c e n te r

100%

90%

80%

70%

60%
Percentage

2006
50%
2002
40%

30%

20%

10%

0%
S tro n g ly D is a g re e D is a g re e A g re e S tro n g ly A g re e

Source: Childcare needs assessment survey, Fall 2002 and Fall 2006

Respondents were then asked which type of childcare they would prefer that their child
receive. Almost 50% of the students preferred the model program (see Figure 10). An
additional 26% preferred either type of program. In 2002, 65% of respondents preferred
the model program.

11
 F ig u re 1 0 . I w o u ld p re fe r th a t m y c h ild re c e ive th e fo llo w in g typ e
o f c h ild c a re

100%

90%

80%

70%
Percentage

60%
2006
50%
2002
40%

30%

20%

10%

0%
M o d e l p ro g ra m E ith e r typ e o f D o n 't k n o w C h ild c a re p ro g ra m
p ro g ra m

Source: Childcare needs assessment survey, Fall 2002 and Fall 2006

12
Table 1a. Student Demographics
Survey respondents Total student population at UW-Stout
Freshmen 21.4% 26.7%
Sophomores 18.1% 18.2%
Juniors 19.8% 16.4%
Seniors 26.5% 27.2%
Graduate Students 12.6% 7.7%
Special Students 1.7% 3.7%
Differences in totals due to rounding

Table 1b. Student Demographics

Survey Respondents Total student population at UW-Stout
Men 30.0% 48.3%
Women 70.0% 51.7%

Table 1c. Student Demographics

Survey Respondents Total student population at UW-Stout
Full-time 88.4% 82.7%
Part-time 11.6% 17.3%

Table 1d. Student Demographics

Survey Respondents Total student population at UW-Stout*
Caucasian 93.5% 92.0%
Minority 6.5% 5.1%
* Does not include international or unknown students.

13
 Table 2. What type of child care do you now use for your child(ren): Other
Reason Examples
Parental Care o Father is with children
o I schedule my classes so I can care for them
o My husband and I work opposite shifts so we don't need to have
someone else to watch the kids
Friend/Relative o A friend
o Close friend that baby-sits
o …home with older sibling
Childcare Facility o YMCA before and after school program
or Before/After o Pre school only
school program o Headstart
o After school care
Not Needed o Distance ed. student, don't use child care for school
o Baby is due in June but my girlfriend and I are still trying to
finish school
Source: Childcare needs assessment survey, Fall 2006

Table 3. What additional special needs or accommodations would you want the
UW-Stout childcare services to provide? (have children enrolled in CFSC)
Reason Examples
Expanded/Change o An earlier start time - I need to be to work by 7:30.
of hours o I would like to see the times of the AM and PM program change
to accommodate parents who need to bring their child in at
noon.
o Many classes are scheduled past 5:30. Because the child care
center closes at 5:30 it is often difficult to find
accommodations…
o Weekend care would be wonderful, especially for students who
also hold jobs that require weekend hours.
Change in class- o Larger class size for more availability
size/availability o More age division in the upper classes.
Other o Implement a more demanding curriculum
o Before/after school care for school aged children until they are
old enough to stay home alone.
o None, very pleased with their services
o The program is wonderful…
Source: Childcare needs assessment survey, Fall 2006

14
 Table 4. Why doesn’t your child attend UW-Stout’s Child and Family Study Center?
Response option
Reason vs. comment Examples (if applicable)
Age of children Comment o Age specific
o …you do not offer infant daycare during the summer…
No need Comment o Distance Education Student - Whitewater, WI
o I have used it in the past. My children are in school now.
o Not needed at this time.
o We currently have no problem being covered with childcare from
a relative.
No openings available Response option o I have applied for care for spring semester and have yet to hear
and comment back. We are on the wait list currently.
o …no assurance of openings
Awareness of Stout’s program, costs, etc. Response option o Don't have any info about the program (costs, hours, etc)
and comment o Not aware of UW-Stout’s childcare program
Too expensive Response option o Application costs
and comment o It cost a lot and we have family willing to help us out
o New born. trying to balance schedules to save on child care costs
Location of center/transportation Comment o Found something closer to home (Eau Claire)
o Not in convenient location
o I drive too far, too far away from home
o I live 4 hours away from U.W. Stout
o Transportation
Limited hours/dates of operation Comment o Need services from 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
o Their hours are mixed up
Dissatisfaction with UW-Stout program Response option N/A
Other Comment o …I plan to enroll her in the fall
o She will in the future
Source: Childcare needs assessment survey, Fall 2006

15
 Table 5. Importance of Services 2006 2002
Quality of care 3.68 3.91
Safe environment 3.68 3.91
Quality of meals provided 3.53 3.75
Licensed center 3.46 3.69
Cost 3.43 3.64
Flexibility in scheduling 3.39 3.67
Type of program: childcare center 3.25 2.93
Type of program: model school program 3.23 3.49
Location: close to home 3.22 3.41
Location: close to work 3.21 3.26
Higher staff to child ratio than legally required 3.14 3.38
Availability of sick care 3.14 3.38
Drop-in care 3.11 3.30
Having all childcare services in one building 3.07 -
Availability of care for special needs children 2.99 3.10
Hours of operation: availability of year-round care 2.96 3.20
Hours of operation: availability of after school care 2.93 3.08
(after 5:30 p.m.)
Hours of operation: availability of before school care 2.85 2.79
(before 7:30 a.m.)
Hours of operation: availability of 24-hour care 2.30 2.16
Source: Childcare needs assessment survey, Fall 2002 and Fall 2006; on a 1-4 scale

16
 Table 6. What additional special needs or accommodations would you want a
childcare program to provide? (all respondents could answer)
Request Examples
Environment/learning o 1 on 1 interaction and advanced level teaching lessons
request o An environment which encourages learning.
o Playground
o Snack time, nap time, field trips, excellent well rounded
curriculum…
o To make sure my child is safe.
o Toys that develop their mind educationally, and socially.
o Educational activities!
o The option to teach the child sign or a foreign language.
o A video camera at each location for safety…
Special needs o …Possibly by-lingo teachers to assist those not English
speaking.
o Accessibility to children of all abilities (whether the child
may have a physical or cognitive impairment)
o I like the idea of Sick Childcare…
o Speech Pathologist for children with Autism
Staff o Assurance that the staff at the center are qualified for their
position and know what they are doing.
o High good, kind, qualified people who are there for the
children and can teach them, not just let them get by, really
teach the children how to do things and understand them.
o Involved staff; educated staff…
o How many adults are going to be there…
Hours/accessibility o Extended after-hours program.
o Flexible scheduling!!!
o More access for students who are trying to go to school and
also be parents!...
o More information to the Stout Students about availability…
Miscellaneous o A learning center for children ages 6 and older (up to age
12) should be provided.
o A written schedule on what the child is doing and monitor
them daily what they eat, when they sleep (how long), etc..
o More opportunities for students who are education majors
o Transportation for child to center
Source: Childcare needs assessment survey, Fall 2006

17
 Appendix A
Childcare Needs Assessment for Students

The following childcare needs assessment is intended for all students, regardless of whether you currently have
children or not.

This survey is intended to be filled out ONCE per household. If your spouse/partner is a student at
UW-Stout, please choose one of you to fill out this survey.
I am filling out this survey for my household (continue on to next question)
My spouse/partner is filling out this survey for my household (leave the rest of the survey blank,
and return to the Budget, Planning and Analysis office)

I. NEED FOR CHILDCARE

1. The availability of on-campus childcare is important….
(1) Strongly disagree…(4) Strongly agree
to me 1 2 3 4
to the campus community in retaining students 1 2 3 4
to potential new students in recruitment 1 2 3 4

2. Do you currently have young children (12 & under) OR plan to add children to your household in
the next five years?
Yes, I currently have young children (go on to next question)
No, I don’t currently have young children but I MAY have young
children in the next five years (skip to Importance of Services section, III)
No, I don’t currently have young children and I don’t plan to have any
in the next five years (skip to Demographics section)

3. Please indicate the number of children that you have in the following age categories:
_____ Infant/toddler (6 weeks-2 years)
_____ Preschool (2+ years-6 years)
_____ School age (6+ years-12 years)

4. Which type of child care do you now use for your child(ren)? (check all that apply)
Relative in your home or theirs
A childcare provider in your home or theirs
Day-care center/childcare facility other than UW-Stout
UW-Stout Child & Family Study Center
Child takes care of self before and after school
Other, please explain: _________________________________________

5. What time of day do you usually need childcare? (check all that apply)
Before 7:30am
All or part of 7:30am-5:30pm
All or part of 5:30pm-10:30pm
Weekends
(1) Not at all satisfied…………..(4) Very satisfied
6. How satisfied are you with your current childcare
1 2 3 4
program?

Do you use the UW-Stout Child and Family Study Center’s child care?
□Yes (go on to Evaluation of UW-Stout childcare services I)
□No (go on to Evaluation of UW-Stout childcare services II)

18
II. EVALUATION OF UW-STOUT CHILDCARE SERVICES I
7. The services of the UW-Stout Child and Family Study Center have made it possible for me to…
(1) Strongly disagree…….(4) Strongly agree
attend college 1 2 3 4
be actively involved in my studies 1 2 3 4
participate in extra-curricular activities at UW-Stout 1 2 3 4
interact more with the faculty and staff 1 2 3 4
interact more with other students 1 2 3 4

(1) Strongly disagree…(4) Strongly Agree

8. The cost for my child(ren) to attend the UW-Stout Child
1 2 3 4
and Family Studies Center is reasonable

9. The availability of childcare services until 5:30pm has…

(1) Strongly disagree…….(4) Strongly agree
Given me the opportunity to take the classes I need to
1 2 3 4
graduate
Permitted more flexibility in my class schedule 1 2 3 4

10. What additional special needs or accommodations would you want the UW-Stout childcare services to provide?

OR
II. EVALUATION OF UW-STOUT CHILDCARE SERVICES II
7. Why doesn’t your child attend UW-Stout’s Child and Family Study Center? (check all that apply)
Not aware of UW-Stout’s childcare program
Dissatisfaction with UW-Stout’s program, please explain:
______________________________________________________________
No openings available
Too expensive
Other, please list: _____________________________________________

8. If UW-Stout’s childcare services had openings available, would you use them?
Yes (go on to next question)
No (skip to Importance of Services section)

9. Which childcare service(s) at UW-Stout would you use if they were available to you? (check all
that apply)
Infant/toddler care (6 weeks to 2 years)
Pre-school care (2+ years to 6 years)

III. IMPORTANCE OF SERVICES

10. Please indicate the importance of each of the following services to your family now or in the
future: (1) Not at all important……….(4) Very important
Availability of care for special needs children 1 2 3 4
Availability of sick care 1 2 3 4
Cost 1 2 3 4
Drop-in care 1 2 3 4
Flexibility in scheduling 1 2 3 4
Higher staff to child ratio than legally required 1 2 3 4
Hours of Operation
Availability of before school care (before 7:30) 1 2 3 4
Availability of after school care (after 5:30) 1 2 3 4
Availability of 24-hour care 1 2 3 4

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 Availability of year-round care 1 2 3 4
Licensed center 1 2 3 4
Location
Close to home 1 2 3 4
Close to work 1 2 3 4
Having all childcare services in one building 1 2 3 4
Safe Environment 1 2 3 4
Quality of Meals provided 1 2 3 4
Quality of care 1 2 3 4
Type of program
Model school program (such as CFSC) 1 2 3 4
Childcare center 1 2 3 4

11. What additional special needs or accommodations would you want a childcare program to provide?

12. The following are definitions of two types of childcare programs. Please read these definitions
and then respond to the following questions.
Model Program:
The staff of a model program are licensed teachers who plan and teach a developmentally
appropriate curriculum for young children. The teachers are also responsible for training Early
Childhood student teachers.
Childcare center:
The staff of a childcare center are usually certified teachers who have completed a 40 hour program
and who may or may not teach from a curriculum. Childcare centers have fewer adults per child.

(1) Strongly disagree……….(4) Strongly agree

I understand the difference between a model program and a
1 2 3 4
day care center.

13. I would prefer that my child receive the following type of childcare:
Model program (such as CFSC)
Childcare program
Either type of program
Don’t know

IV. Demographics
14. Your student classification:
Freshman
Sophomore
Junior
Senior
Graduate Student
Special student

15. Your gender:

Male
Female

16. Your Status:

Full-time
Part-time

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17. Your Ethnicity:
□ Caucasion
□ Minority (Black, Hispanic, Asian, American Indian, Multi-racial)

18. Does your spouse/partner currently attend UW-Stout?

Yes (go on to next question)
No (skip the remaining questions and return your survey to Budget, Planning and Analysis)

19. Spouse/partner’s student classification:

Freshman
Sophomore
Junior
Senior
Graduate Student
Special student

20. Spouse/partner’s gender:

Male
Female

21. Spouse/partner’s Status:

Full-time
Part-time

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