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ERIC ED606705: Early Care and Education in Rural Communities. OPRE Research Brief 2020-62

This report provides a descriptive comparison of the early care and education (ECE) landscape across rural, moderate-density urban (suburban), and high-density urban areas. The goal of this comparison was to understand whether ECE availability and characteristics in rural areas differ from those in more densely populated communities. We used nationally representative data on both households with young children and ECE providers to describe availability of care, use of and need for child care, and setting and workforce characteristics in rural, moderate-density urban, and high-density urban areas. Key findings from this report relate to the following: (1) Availability and use of care; (2) Families' need for and difficulties finding care; (3) Characteristics of ECE centers and homes by rurality; and (4) Characteristics of ECE center-based and home-based workforces by rurality. In terms of workforce characteristics, findings suggest that listed home-based teachers and caregivers in rural areas may benefit from additional professional supports such as involvement in quality initiatives and professional organizations. Although current findings are representative of ECE in communities of

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