Dee Baldwin, PhD, RN-C¹, Sherry Gaines, PhD, RN², Judith L. Wold, PhD, RN², Armenia M. Williams, DPA, RNC, FNP¹, and Janie M. Leary, BSW³. (1) Byrdine F. Lewis School of Nursing, Georgia State University, P. O. Box 4019, Atlanta, GA 30302, 404-463-0573, dbaldwin@gsu.edu, (2) School of Nursing, Georgia State University, P.O. Box 4019, Atlanta, GA 30302-4019, (3) Childcare Advantage Network, School of Nursing, Georgia State University, MSC 2A0965, 33 Gilmer Street SE, Atlanta, GA 30302-4019

The purpose of this investigation was to determine the health behaviors of child care providers and the impact of these behaviors on their perceived quality of care for children. Six research questions guided the study: 1) What are the demographic and employment data of the target population? 2) What are the health behaviors of female child care providers who administer care to children? 3) What is the health status of female child care providers who administer care to children? 4) How do female child care providers define quality of care for children? 5) Is there a relationship between the health behaviors of female childcare providers and their perceived quality of care for children? and 6)Which demographic and health behavior variables best predict quality of health care for children? Descriptive statistics were used to analyze data related to each research question. A correlational analysis was used to determine the relationship between the health behaviors of the female child care providers and quality of care. Further, regression analyses were used to determine the best predictor of quality care for children. While the study is completed, all data have not been analyzed. However, findings from this study have implications for designing programs to ensure quality child care for children. Results also support the need for development of health education programs aimed at increasing the health status of female providers. Lastly, findings from this study have implications for policy development as health and safety criteria are developed to ensure quality child care programs.

Learning Objectives:

• Describe the health behaviors of female childcare providers who administer care to children.
• Describe quality child care as perceived by female childcare providers.
• List the female health behaviors that best predict quality of child care.

Keywords: Child Care, Child Health

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.