Working Mothers and Child Care in North Carolina.

This pamphlet answers four basic questions: (1) What is known about working mothers in North Carolina? (2) What is known about child care arrangements in the state? (3) Are regional differences in maternal employment and child care important? (4) What do the answers to these questions reveal about public policies that could improve the well-being of families and children in North Carolina? Data indicate that very large numbers of mothers with young chidren are employed in the state and that their children need care. The number of preschool-age children has increased. Employment levels among women in all social groups have increased, but employment opportunities for women and men vary dramatically from county to county. The availability of licensed child care also varies from county to county. Availability appears more closely related to per capita income than to need as measured by female employment. Low wage rates often make it necessary for both husband and wife to work to support a family. Many families, even those with two wage-earners, cannot afford high quality child care. Affordability and quality of child care are especially problematic for female-headed households, because women, on the average, earn less than men. Recommendations for social policy are offered. (RH)