Research Library

Future research / gaps identified:

1. Further research could manipulate variables to gauge targeting non-immigrant families in a range of employment fields and with school-aged children. This research could provide information on how to replicate the study in a different geographic context or expand on it further to explore additional variables. 62
2. Further research is needed to evaluate the longitudinal outcomes of alternative childcare models, such as community-based solutions or employer-supported childcare. This research could assess the impact of these models on children’s development, social skills, and academic achievement, as well as the economic and social benefits for families and communities. 2
3. it is possible that the COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on childcare access and affordability for low-income immigrant families. Future research could explore the impact of the pandemic on childcare services and the experiences of immigrant women in accessing these services.
4. There is limited research on alternative hour childcare, which can be a critical factor in enabling low-income immigrant families to access quality childcare services. The report suggests that further research is needed to identify effective models of alternative hour childcare and to evaluate their impact on children’s development and family well-being. 1T
5. The research primarily focused on engaging immigrant mothers in discussions around childcare access and affordability, with limited engagement with fathers. The report suggests that future research should aim to engage fathers more actively in discussions around childcare, as they can play an important role in supporting their children’s development and their partners’ employment and economic security. 3
6. The study was conducted in a specific geographic context and with a specific population of low-income immigrant families, which may limit the generalizability of the findings. The report suggests that future research should aim to replicate the study in different contexts and with different populations to assess the transferability of the findings. 4
7. The report notes that the study did not specifically focus on the mental health impacts of childcare challenges on immigrant women, despite the potential for these challenges to contribute to stress, anxiety, and other mental health issues. The report suggests that future research should aim to explore the mental health impacts of childcare challenges on immigrant women and to identify effective strategies for addressing these impacts.

Key recommendations

1. Development of a centralized navigation and support system to help low-income immigrant families access quality childcare services. This system would provide information on available services, eligibility criteria, and application processes, as well as support families in navigating the system.
2. Development of community-based solutions to address the challenges of providing quality childcare services to low-income immigrant families. This could include the mobilization of community resources, such as volunteers, community centers, and faith-based organizations, to provide affordable and accessible childcare services.
3. Further research to engage non-immigrant families in discussions around childcare access and affordability. This would help to identify common challenges and potential solutions that could benefit all families, regardless of their immigration status. 5
4. Employers play a more active role in supporting their employees with childcare responsibilities. This could include offering flexible work arrangements, providing on-site childcare services, or contributing to the cost of childcare services. 5

Key populations:

Agency, SPO, Childcare, Employment, Female/Women/Woman, Finances/Financial, Integration, Parenting, Mother

Locations: Calgary, AB

Key findings

1. Participants expressed that quality time with their families, their children’s social and educational development, and reliance on a trusted provider contributed to their advancement in the workplace and their willingness to continue with formal childcare. 45

2. Participants noted that their ability to focus and engage at work was due to knowing that their child was in quality childcare. This enabled them to learn new skills, take on additional responsibilities, increase hours and flexibility, receive higher wages, and be recognized by their employers for potential leadership roles. 45

3. Women who were employed part-time stated that access to alternative childcare provided them with the opportunity to take on additional part-time work, thus increasing their economic security. 45

4. Participants shared a common belief that their children were in better care than they would be with a family or friend, based on the provider’s education and ability to create a comfortable and safe environment. This allowed their children to develop healthy relationships with other children and the provider in the day home. 45

5. The women expressed concerns about affording childcare after the pilot ended, as the fluctuating and unstable job market in entry-level positions resulted in uncertainty about the need for full-time childcare and the associated costs. 45

Community organizations: Canadian Immigrant Womens’ Association

Integration timeline: newcomers not defined

Open access: No