The negotiation of child care and employment demands among low-income parents

Low-income working mothers face significant child care challenges. These ch allenges are particularly salient in an era of welfare reform, when welfare recipients are under increased pressure to find a job. The current study e xamines how child care demands are negotiated for an urban sample of low-in come mothers. The sample includes a racially and ethnically diverse group o f 57 respondents with and without welfare experience who are mothering chil dren under 13 years of age and working in entry-level jobs. Findings sugges t that respondents seek arrangements that are affordable, convenient, and s afe, and informal arrangements may be most compatible with convenience and cost considerations. informal care is not universally available, however, a nd may be less reliable. Implications for child care policy are discussed.