Authors: Vandell, D. L., Belsky, J., Burchinal, M., Vandergrift, N., & Steinberg, L.
Overview
Relations between nonrelative child care (birth to 4 ½ years) and functioning at age 15 were examined in a sample of 1364 individuals. Both quality and quantity of child care were found to be linked to adolescent functioning. The effects observed were similar in size to those seen at younger ages. Higher quality care was associated with higher cognitive-academic achievement at age 15, with increasingly positive effects observed at higher levels of quality. The association between quality and achievement was partially mediated by earlier child care effects on achievement. Additionally, higher quality early child care predicted lower reports of externalizing behavior by youth. Conversely, increased hours of nonrelative care predicted higher levels of risk-taking and impulsivity at age 15, with these relationships being partially mediated by earlier child care effects on externalizing behaviors.
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