Abstract:
AN EXAMINATION OF MOTIVATION: REASONS LICENSE-EXEMPT
CHILD CARE PROVIDERS PARTICIPATE IN NON-FORMAL
EDUCATION
by
Helen N. Turner
Master of Arts in Social Science
California State University, Chico
Spring 2010
This study examined the effect of motivation on license-exempt child care
providers’ participation in a non-formal education activity. The sample of 86 adult family,
friend, and neighbor caregivers—license-exempt child care providers—was obtained
through questionnaires distributed at 14 local child care resource and referral
agencies in Northern California. Results of data analysis showed statistically significant
interaction between relative license-exempt child care providers and non-relative license-
exempt child care providers by family motives. Statistically significant negative
correlations between license-exempt child care providers’ age and professional development
motives, and providers’ years of education completed and professional development
motives were found. These findings suggest that license-exempt child care
providers’ demographic characteristics impact their motives to participate in non-formal
education. Post hoc analyses revealed statistically significant interactions between motives
and formal child care education, child care payment status, child care payment
type, and race.
