Instrument 2. Front-line child care licensing staff survey-track CLEAN

OMB# 0970-XXXX Expiration: XX/XX/XXXX

Survey of Front-Line Licensing Staff

Instrument 2. Front-line child care licensing staff survey

Consent information for landing page of REDCap Survey (respondents will have seen all these details earlier in the outreach materials).

We are inviting you to take part in our research on child care licensing. This one-time, voluntary online survey should take no more than 30 minutes to complete. You will receive a $25 gift card, which will be sent to you after you complete the survey.

You can skip any question, and you can stop the survey at any time. There are no right or wrong answers to any of our questions. There is a chance that you may feel uncomfortable answering some questions. Although there are no direct benefits to you for completing this survey, we hope that the information you provide will benefit the licensing system and providers.

The information in this survey will be used only for research purposes and in ways that will not reveal who you are. You will not be identified in any publication from this study. We will share some of the data we collect with qualified individuals for research purposes.

Personally identifying information (PII), such as your name, can only be accessed for the study's research purposes by the project team and authorized personnel associated with the project, on a need-to-know basis. Your answers to the survey questions will be used only for research purposes.

The Paperwork Reduction Act (PRA) Statement: This collection of information is voluntary and will be used to better understand the child care and early education (CCEE) licensing system as well as front-line staffs’ characteristics, perceptions of their roles, and job challenges. Public reporting burden for this collection of information is estimated to average 30 minutes per response, including the time for reviewing instructions, gathering and maintaining the data needed, and reviewing the collection of information. An agency may not conduct or sponsor, and a person is not required to respond to, a collection of information unless it displays a currently valid OMB control number. The OMB number and expiration date for this collection are OMB #: 0970-XXXX, Exp: XX/XX/XXXX. Send comments regarding this burden estimate or any other aspect of this collection of information, including suggestions for reducing this burden to Kelly Maxwell, kmaxwell@childtrends.org, or Child Trends, 1516 Franklin Street, Suite 205, Chapel Hill, NC 27514, Attention: Kelly Maxwell.

If you would like a copy of this information or have questions, please email us at licstaff@childtrends.org or contact the IRB at irbparticipant@childtrends.org or by phone at 1-855-288-3506.

Do you agree to participate in the survey?

• Yes

• No

Screener

S1. In your current job, do you routinely conduct licensing inspections of licensed child care programs?

1. Yes

2. No

[To participate, respondents must answer a to S1]

Career Path

1. How long have you worked in your current child care licensing position?
   ___ years ___months

2. How long have you worked in your current agency/department?

___ years ___months

3. How long have you worked in child care licensing in any position?

___ years ___months

4. Have you previously worked in licensing outside of child care (e.g., youth residential care, senior care)?

   1. Yes

   2. No

5. If selected a to Q4, in what area(s)? (Select all that apply)

   1. Youth residential homes

   2. Senior care, including assisted living and nursing homes

   3. Food and beverage

   4. Other: __________

Please indicate any roles you have previously held in child care setting (Select all that apply):

	Director, assistant director, or owner	Teacher or another staff member	Have not worked in this setting
Licensed center-based child care program
License-exempt center-based child care program
Head Start program
School-based preschool or pre-K program
Licensed family/group child care
License-exempt family/group child care

Have you previously worked in any of the following roles related to child care?

	Yes	No
Quality improvement
Professional development
Other technical assistance roles
Early childhood, education, or youth development faculty member in community college or university
Other: ____________________

17. How much are you paid before taxes and deductions? $_________

18. Are you paid per:

    1. Hour

    2. Day

    3. Week

    4. Every 2 weeks

    5. Month

    6. Year

    7. Other: __________

19. About how many hours per week are you paid to work?

    1. [Dropdown of numeric options]

20. Which of the following benefits do you receive through your employer? Select all that are paid in part or in full by your employer.

    1. Health insurance

    2. Retirement benefits

    3. Dental insurance

    4. Paid maternity leave

    5. Paid sick leave or personal leave

    6. Paid vacation

    7. Yearly cost-of-living raise

    8. Occasional cost-of-living raise

    9. Occasional merit raise

    10. None of the above

    11. Other: _________________________________________
        
        
        

21. In the past 3 months, have you done anything to look for a new job or an additional job?

    1. Yes

    2. No

22. If selected a to Q22, What is the main reason you have looked for additional work?

    1. To find a second job

    2. To find a job that pays more

    3. Worried that this job may end

    4. Hope to reduce travel time or improve schedule

    5. To find improved work conditions

    6. Want to leave this field

    7. To see what else is available

    8. To find a job for professional growth and/or advancement within my current field

    9. To find a job that is a better fit with my training/experience

    10. To find a job with better benefits/insurance

    11. To find a job that offers more work hours

    12. To find a job in a new location because I am moving/relocating

    13. Other: ________________

23. What are your career plans for the next 5 years?

    1. Continue in the same job

    2. Stay in child care licensing but move up or move into another role within child care licensing

    3. Continue in a regulatory field outside of child care (e.g., nursing homes)

    4. Stay in child care but outside child care licensing (e.g., teacher, director)

    5. Continue in state/local government but not in child care licensing or child care

    6. Return to school

    7. Retire

    8. Other: __________________________

Day-to-Day Responsibilities

24. Which of the following best describes your current employment status?

1. Employee of the state child care licensing agency

2. Employee of a county child care licensing agency

3. Independent contractor with the state or a county child care licensing agency

4. Employee of an organization that contracts with the state/county child care licensing agency

25. How many programs are part of your caseload?

[Type in with data validation for numeric value between 1 to 200]

How strongly do you disagree or agree with the following statements?

	Strongly Disagree	Disagree	Neither Agree nor Disagree	Agree	Strongly Agree
My caseload is reasonable
I feel rushed to complete all my child care licensing visits on time
I have enough time in my child care licensing visits to support providers

29. What types of child care settings make up your caseload? (Select all that apply)

    1. Center-based child care

    2. Small family child care

    3. Large/group family child care (i.e., two or more staff members)

30. What types of child care programs make up your caseload? (Select all that apply)

    1. Licensed programs (or those applying for licensure)

    2. License-exempt programs

31. Thinking about your caseload, which best describes the regions you serve?

1. Mostly urban

2. Mostly suburban

3. Mostly rural

4. Mix of regions

For each of the job responsibilities below, select whether you do each of the following in licensed center-based care, small or large licensed family child care, license-exempt programs, or none. (Select all that apply)

	Licensed center-based care	Small or large family child care	License-exempt programs	I do not have this job responsibility
Conducting routine inspections for compliance
Conducting inspections for license renewal
Conducting complaint investigations
Follow-up visits based on non-compliance/violations
Pre-licensing visits of child care programs

Please indicate whether each of these responsibilities is part of your job.

	Yes	No
Conducting investigations of illegally operating child care providers
Administrative tasks (e.g., processing child care licensing applications and amendments; scheduling; processing incident reports)
Determining enforcement actions
Consulting with others to determine enforcement actions
Investigative complaints
Developing corrective action plans or other written documents to develop a plan with providers to fix violations
Communicating or coordinating with other entities (health departments, fire marshals, or building inspectors, subsidy program, pre-K, Child and Adult Care Food Program, QRIS)
Communicating with child care providers
Communicating with families and the public
Supervising child care licensing staff
Facilitating training or mentoring of child care licensing staff
Leading group training for child care providers
Receiving training/professional development
Providing guidance, resources, training, and/or consultation to individual child care providers
Resolving non-compliance issues during inspections (e.g., covering an uncovered outlet)
Monitoring other human service programs for children (e.g., foster care)
Monitoring other human service programs for adults (e.g., assisted living facilities)
Other: ________________________

Please indicate whether you do each of the following:

	Yes	No
Make providers aware of available training
Help providers achieve compliance with child care licensing regulations
Help providers improve quality and exceed minimum child care licensing regulations
Help providers understand COVID-19 guidance
Help providers understand health and safety guidance
Support providers in complying with other regulations (e.g., fire, environmental)
Help providers apply for grants
Help providers understand the child care licensing regulations

63. Of the hours you are paid to work, about what percent of your time do you spend on each of the following in a typical month. Enter 0 for any activities you do not typically do.

	Percent of time
Inspections for compliance or renewal
Investigating programs
Administrative tasks and communication (e.g., processing child care licensing applications and amendments; scheduling; processing incident reports, coordinating with other entities, communicating with providers or families)
Receiving training/professional development
Providing training/professional development
Travel
Other: _____________
Data validation which sums the numbers entered in boxes with text that reads: “This number will automatically add up the numbers you enter. Please be sure this number equals 100. Enter 0 for any activities you do not typically do.”	Total (must equal 100)

Professional Development

In the following section, we ask about your professional development. By professional development, we mean any activities to improve or gain skills in your work.

64. In the past 12 months, which professional development activities have you participated in? (Select all that apply)

    1. Participated in workshops or training provided by the child care licensing unit

    2. Participated in workshops or training provided by someone other than the child care licensing unit

    3. Received coaching, mentoring, or ongoing consultation with a specialist

    4. Provided coaching, mentoring, or ongoing consultation with a specialist

    5. Enrolled in a course at a community college or four-year university relevant to your work

    6. Completed the National Association for Regulatory Administration (NARA) Licensing Courses, Webinars, or Curriculum

    7. Attended a meeting of a professional organization (e.g., NARA, NAEYC)

    8. Other: _____________

    9. None of the above

In the past 12 months, which of these topics were addressed in your professional development activities?

	Yes	No
Strategies for working with providers of different races, ethnicities, or cultures
Strategies for working with providers in a variety of settings (e.g., center-based and home-based care)
Strategies for working with providers who work with infants and toddlers
Strategies for working with providers who work with school-age children
Racial equity (e.g., structural racism, implicit bias)
Managing my stress and enhancing my well-being
The child care licensing statutes and regulations for child care
Other applicable state and federal statutes and regulations
Technical skills related to your duties and responsibilities, such as investigative techniques, interviewing, rule-writing, report writing, due process, and data management
Effective communication and relationship-building/management
Approaches, skills, or techniques in providing support, resources, or consultation (e.g., adult learning, coaching model)
Child or youth development/early childhood education principles
Curriculum/child care programming/scheduling
Facilities and design of space
Child care center management
Large or small family child care home management
Child and staff health in child care
Detection, prevention, and management of child abuse
Inclusion of children with special needs
Exclusion/inclusion of children who are ill
Health, safety, physical activity, and nutrition
COVID-specific guidelines for health and safety
Recognition of hazards
Quality improvement
State/territory’s Quality Rating and Improvement System (QRIS); quality measurement; star ratings

How strongly do you disagree or agree with the following statements?

	Strongly Disagree	Disagree	Neither Agree nor Disagree	Agree	Strongly Agree
The professional development I have received in the past 12 months has helped me to improve in my job
I have opportunities to advance in my career
I can access the professional development that I want

Supervision

93. Do you have a supervisor?

    1. Yes

    2. No
       
       

94. If selected a to Q92 Do you have regularly scheduled meetings with your supervisor?

    1. Yes

    2. No
       
       

95. If selected a to Q93, Over the last 12 months, on average, how often have you met (in person, by phone, or by video) with your supervisor?

    1. Less than one time per month

    2. One time per month

    3. Every other week, or about two times per month

    4. One time per week

    5. Multiple times per week

If selected a to Q92, How strongly do you disagree or agree with the following statements?

	Strongly Disagree	Disagree	Neither Agree nor Disagree	Agree	Strongly Agree
I have formed a trusting relationship with my supervisor
My supervisor is both a teacher and a guide
I feel nurtured, safe, and supported during supervision
In supervision, I have time to come to my own solutions
My supervisor listens carefully to the emotional experiences that I am expressing

Perceptions of Purpose of Role

We are interested in your perceptions of the purpose of your child care licensing role.

Please choose how strongly you agree with each statement below:

Part of my role is to…

	Strongly Disagree	Disagree	Neither Agree nor Disagree	Agree	Strongly Agree
Ensure children are cared for in a healthy and safe environment
Build relationships with providers
Help providers new to child care licensing navigate the licensing process
Help existing providers navigate the child care licensing process
Help improve the quality of child care
Ensure that the regulations and laws are implemented
Help providers correct violations
Help reduce the incidence of violations
Help connect providers to resources and supports

(If selected agree or strongly agree to Qs100-108)

110. If you had to choose one, which is the primary purpose of your child care licensing role?

     1. Ensure children are cared for in a healthy and safe environment

     2. Support providers

     3. Build relationships with providers

     4. Help providers new to child care licensing navigate the licensing process

     5. Help existing providers navigate the child care licensing process

     6. Ensure an adequate supply of child care licensed programs

     7. Help improve the quality of child care

     8. Ensure that the regulations and laws are implemented

     9. Help providers correct violations

     10. Help reduce the incidence of violations

     11. Help connect providers to resources and supports

Self-Efficacy

How strongly do you disagree or agree with the following statements?

	Strongly Disagree	Disagree	Neither Agree nor Disagree	Agree	Strongly Agree
I am confident in my ability as a licensor
I have a good understanding of child care licensing

	Strongly Disagree	Disagree	Neither Agree nor Disagree	Agree	Strongly Agree	Not Applicable, I Do Not Work with This Type of Program
I feel prepared to work with child care centers
I feel prepared to work with child care homes
I feel prepared to work with child care providers who work with infants and toddlers
I feel prepared to work with child care providers who work with school aged children

Relationships with Others

How strongly do you disagree or agree with the following statements?

	Strongly Disagree	Disagree	Neither Agree nor Disagree	Agree	Strongly Agree
I have positive relationships with most of the providers with whom I work
I feel valued by the providers with whom I work
I feel valued by my co-workers
I feel valued by my supervisor
I feel valued by leadership in my agency
I feel valued by the general public
I feel valued by others in state/local government

Burnout/Work Satisfaction

How strongly do you disagree or agree with the following statements?

	Strongly Disagree	Disagree	Neither Agree nor Disagree	Agree	Strongly Agree
I intend to work in my current role for at least two more years
I often think of quitting
I’m just putting in time
I take pride in my work
I feel very committed to my work
I put a lot of extra effort into my work
It would be difficult for me to find another job as good as the one I have
I don’t really care what happens at my work after I leave
It’s hard to feel committed to my work
I sometimes feel trapped in my job

How strongly do you disagree or agree with the following statements?

	Strongly Disagree	Disagree	Neither Agree nor Disagree	Agree	Strongly Agree
My co-workers and I are treated with respect on a day-to-day basis
I have help dealing with difficult providers and programs

Role of Front-Line Child Care Licensing Staff in Supporting Quality/Quality Improvement

136. Are there written guidance/instructions about which actions you should take if you see a violation?

1. Yes

2. No

137. What is your role in determining enforcement actions?

3. I determine enforcement actions by myself

4. I work with my supervisor to determine enforcement actions

5. I determine enforcement actions with input from others (e.g., colleagues, regional staff), as needed

6. I am part of a team that works together to determine enforcement actions

7. I do not have a role in determining enforcement actions

8. Other: _______________________

How often do you refer providers to the following agencies, organizations, or people for help, support, or consultation?

	Never	Rarely	Sometimes	Often
Child Care Resource and Referral
Quality Rating and Improvement System or other quality initiative
Statewide Afterschool Network or Afterschool Association
Fire Department
Child and Adult Care Food Program
Health Department
Subsidy Program
Abuse and Neglect Department (e.g., Department of Family Services, Child Welfare)
Public pre-K
Head Start Grantee
Early Intervention Program
Other:____________________

General Perceptions of the Child Care Licensing System

How strongly do you disagree or agree with the following statements?

 

	Strongly Disagree	Disagree	Neither Agree nor Disagree	Agree	Strongly Agree
The child care licensing system helps support children's health and safety
The child care licensing system helps providers deliver higher quality care

 

Perceptions of Child Care Licensing Regulations

How strongly do you disagree or agree with the following statements? 

	Strongly Disagree	Disagree	Neither Agree nor Disagree	Agree	Strongly Agree
I think there are too many child care licensing regulations
Child care licensing regulations sometimes conflict with other standards (like quality rating and improvement system standards/criteria, fire safety requirements, Head Start Performance Standards
Child care licensing regulations are reasonable to meet

Open-ended questions:

155. In which parts of your work do you feel most successful?

156. Which parts of your work are the most challenging?

157. How could the child care licensing system be improved to better support you?

158. How could the child care licensing system be improved to better support child care providers and the quality of their programs?

Demographics

159. In which state do you work?

[Dropdown of options of all states]

160. Which of the following best describes your gender identity?

1. Female

2. Male

3. Non-binary, Gender fluid, or Gender expansive

4. A gender not listed here

161. Are you of Hispanic, Latino/a, or Spanish origin?

1. No, not of Hispanic, Latino/a, or Spanish origin

2. Yes, Cuban

3. Yes, Mexican, Mexican American, or Chicano/a

4. Yes, Puerto Rican

5. Yes, Another Hispanic, Latino/a, or Spanish origin

162. What is your race? (Select all the apply)

1. American Indian or Alaska Native

2. Asian Indian

3. Black or African American

4. Chinese

5. Filipino

6. Guamanian or Chamorro

7. Japanese

8. Korean

9. Native Hawaiian

10. Samoan

11. Vietnamese

12. White

13. Other Asian

14. Other Pacific Islander

15. Other: _______________

163. Which languages do you speak with providers? (Select all that apply)

1. English

2. Spanish

3. Other: ____________

164. What is the highest degree or level of education you have completed?

1. No high school diploma or equivalent

2. High school graduate or equivalent (e.g., GED)

3. Some college credit but no degree

4. Associate degree (AA, AS)

5. Bachelor’s degree (BA, BS, AB)

6. Graduate or professional degree (e.g., MA, MS, Ph.D., Ed.D.)

7. Other: ___________

165. If selected c-f to 158, What was your major for the highest degree you have or have studied for?

1. Business

2. Child development, psychology, or family studies

3. Early childhood education or early or school-age care

4. Education degree not mentioned above (e.g., middle school education)

5. Elementary education

6. Policy

7. Public health

8. Recreation

9. Social work

10. Sociology

11. Special education

12. Youth development

13. Other: _______________

166. If selected c-f to 158, Have you completed any college coursework in early childhood education?

1. Yes

2. No

167. Do you have a Child Development Associate (CDA) Credential?

1. Yes

2. No

168. Do you have a School-Age or Youth Development Credential?

1. Yes

2. No

Thank you for completing this survey! Your responses will help us learn more about child care licensing. Please provide your email address in the field below if you would like to receive the $25 Amazon gift card.

Email address: ____

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