A Training Model for Older Adults for Work in Child Care and Employment Retention

Authors

  • Christopher J. Ward Generations Together, University of Pittsburgh
  • Rafael Engel School of Social Work, University of Pittsburgh
  • Sally Newman Generations Together, University of Pittsburgh

Abstract

This paper examines the reasons some older adults forego or leave child care employment while other older adults remain employed. The participants were 140 persons 50 and older who had completed a training course for work in paid child care. Participants were interviewed and subsequently sent questionnaires at 9, 18, and 27 months after train­ ing. Of the 140 first contacted, 24 (17%) had never worked in a paid child care position following training, 21 (15%) worked less than 6 months while 95 (68%) had worked longer than a year. This retention rate is high­ er than published retention rates of younger workers. Low pay was cited most frequently as a reason among persons never working, while health problems were the most common response for persons working less than 6 months. For persons working at least a year, common reasons for leaving child care employment included few benefits, poor pay, health, and transportation problems. The implications of these findings include the useful role training may provide as a screening device, and the different supports older workers may need while employed.

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Published

1998-03-01

How to Cite

Ward, C. J., Engel, R., & Newman, S. . (1998). A Training Model for Older Adults for Work in Child Care and Employment Retention. Journal of Child and Youth Care Work, 12, 68–79. Retrieved from http://acycpjournal.pitt.edu/ojs/jcycw/article/view/262

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Articles