Congratulations to Chelsea Dicker who on Thursday, September 18, 2025, successfully defended her dissertation. The title of Chelsea's dissertation is "CARING FOR THE CAREGIVERS: EXPLORING PERCEIVED ORGANIZATIONAL SUPPORT FOR CHILDCARE WORKERS WHO ARE MOTHERS."
Overview of Problem: Childcare workers who are also mothers of young children represent a vital segment of the early childhood education (ECE) workforce in the United States. In 2024, 68.3% of mothers with children under six participated in the labor force, and 94% of childcare workers identified as female, illustrating the prevalence of women, many of them mothers, within this essential workforce. Despite their critical role, childcare workers continue to face low wages, limited benefits, and high emotional labor, which contribute to workforce instability and turnover rates approaching 27%. Persistent turnover disrupts the continuity of care, reduces program quality, and exacerbates inequities for children and families who rely on early care and education.
Research Design: This study will utilize a qualitative design with an interpretive inquiry approach to explore the lived experiences of childcare workers who are mothers of childcare-age children. Interpretive inquiry provides a lens for understanding how participants construct meaning from their organizational experiences and form perceptions of support.
Dissertation Committee Chair:
Dr. Susan V. Iverson
Dissertation Committee Members:
Dr. Lisa Beck
Dr. Emily Creamer
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