Role Conflict among Family Childcare Providers in the Bronx. (13th June 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Fernandez, Josephine; Mootoo, Candace J.; Romero, Sara; Rasmussen, Andrew
• Is Part Of: Children & society. Volume 32:Number 6(2018:Nov.)
• Page Start: 470
• Page End: 480
• Publication Date: 2018-06-13
• Subjects: family childcare providers -- professional relationship boundaries -- role conflict; Children -- Care and hygiene -- Periodicals; Child welfare -- Periodicals; Child welfare -- Great Britain -- Periodicals; Children -- Social conditions -- Periodicals; Child development -- Periodicals; 362.70941
• DOI: 10.1111/chso.12282
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0951-0605

Abstract

Abstract : Family childcare (FCC) providers provide childcare for many low‐income families in the United States, and the literature suggests they take on several other support roles as well. The current study consisted of focus groups and interviews in which FCC providers ( N = 22) shared successes and challenges in their profession. Using grounded theory we identified four primary FCC roles: teacher, caregiver, social worker and business owner. Conflict within and between roles was related to considerable stress. Because roles varied across a spectrum from entangled to rigid professional relationship boundaries, many FCC providers struggled with the limits of their daily work. Suggestions are made to limit role conflict, re‐establish boundaries and promote FCC providers' well‐being.