Extension Communications
3614 Administrative Services Building
Ames, Iowa 50011-3614
(515) 294-9915
3/19/01
For Immediate Release
Contacts:
Lesia Oesterreich, Human Development and Family Studies,
(515) 294-0363, loesterr@iastate.edu
Susan Hegland, Human Development and Family Studies, (515)
294-4616, shegland@iastate.edu
Carla Peterson, Human Development and Family Studies, (515)
294-4898, carlapet@iastate.edu
Carol Ouverson, Continuing Education and Communication
Services, (515) 294-9640, couverso@iastate.edu
Extension and Gallup to Conduct Midwest Child Care Study
AMES, Iowa -- Iowa State University Extension will team with the Gallup Organization to conduct the first-of-its-kind study of child care in the state, according to Lesia Oesterreich, extension state families specialist.
The study, consisting of a telephone survey and in-person visits in late March and April 2001, will examine child care in Iowa, Nebraska, Kansas and Missouri.
"This project will provide much needed data for improved policy-making decisions," Oesterreich said. She encouraged providers to participate in the study.
Gallup will arrange10- to 15-minute telephone interviews to fit providers' schedules, she said.
Following the telephone survey, ISU Extension interviewers will conduct in-person visits with randomly selected providers, to collect data on Iowa's child care environments.
"By responding to the survey, providers can demonstrate their commitment to the well-being of young children and to improving programs that serve children, " Oesterreich said. "We want the voices of child care teachers and providers to be heard."
Following this effort will be a survey for parents about their views and perceptions of child care, she said.
For more information contact: Lesia Oesterreich (515) 294-0363, Susan Hegland (515) 294-4616 or Carla Peterson at (515) 294-4898.
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