Family perspectives from users and non-users of subsidized child care: Benefits and barriers to subsidy participation

This qualitative study examined perceptions about New Mexico’s child care subsidy program among a sample that included program users and income-eligible non-users. Drawing on semi-structured interviews with 64 parents or primary caregivers, the study investigated: 1) reasons income-eligible non-users give for not enrolling in the subsidy program, 2) ways non-users say they would benefit from access to affordable child care, 3) child care access experiences of subsidy users, and 4) whether and in what ways subsidy users report the subsidy program has benefitted them. Lack of awareness about the program and its eligibility criteria, administrative challenges in the subsidy enrollment process, general lack of interest in non-familial care, and limitations in their community’s care supply were identified as reasons for non-use of subsidies. Non-users of the subsidy program said they would make changes to their employment circumstances and care arrangements if care were accessible. Care access for users of the subsidy program was supported in terms of affordability, but still constrained by provider supply limitations and administrative burdens. Despite these challenges, subsidy users said program participation resulted in meaningful benefits to their families across the domains of financial stability, employment, education, and child development.