LOS ANGELES, June 29, 2021 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- HopSkipDrive released its State of Childcare Transportation Report today, based on a survey of 1,257 parents, foster parents and other primary caregivers. Detailing time spent on the road getting children to school and various activities, effects on career and daily life, and family stress, the report revealed that many parents and caregivers struggle with balancing careers and childcare transportation.
"Our survey confirms what we hear from our consumers, and what I know personally as a working parent: Managing family transportation logistics is time-consuming and can have deleterious effects on career, stress, work-life balance, and the opportunities children can access," says Joanna MacFarland, Co-founder and CEO of HopSkipDrive. "While COVID-19 temporarily shut down school and activities, the reopening world means parents and caregivers are experiencing the stress of child transportation again."
Parents spend hours behind the wheel each week
Nearly eight out of ten respondents are the primary transportation provider in their household. While 50% reported coordinating duties with their partners, 26% handle all logistics by themselves.
Three-quarters of parents reported driving their children to school themselves; the next most popular options: a nanny or a babysitter does the driving, the kids take a school bus, or walk to school. A quarter of respondents use youth transportation services like HopSkipDrive. Only 8% of respondents reported using carpools all the time, while 22% of respondents say they carpool sometimes.
One survey respondent says, "Getting my kids to and from school has been the most stressful part of parenting for me, hands down."
Getting children to school and activities means hours behind the wheel:
- 40% of respondents spend two to four hours per week.
- 19% spend five to nine hours a week.
- 11% spend over ten hours per week.
Interrupted workdays and the stress of unexpected transportation needs
Balancing career and child transportation was a significant stressor for many parents, with getting their children to activities interfering with daily workdays.
- 81% of respondents reported that taking their kids to school or activities interferes with their workdays
- 22% said their work is interrupted daily; 36% are disrupted a few times a week.
With that disruption comes the fear of repercussions: 16% of respondents said child transportation puts their job at risk.
Things get even more stressful if kids need a ride unexpectedly:
- 30% reported they could always find a way to get their kids home, meaning about 70% of parents and caregivers don't always know if they can find a ride.
- 11% reported having no reliable transportation should their children need to get home without notice.
There's often residual guilt and stress for those who can't offer their kids unlimited transportation: 42% of respondents felt their children might miss meaningful enrichment opportunities because of transportation roadblocks.
One parent sums up the struggle: "I'm a single mom with three kids and currently no bus service. I'm driving a crazy amount daily just to get everyone to school and home. In a typical year, we have other activities after school, and each year I have to choose which activity and which child to support because I can't split myself into three."
Read the full report at hopskipdrive.com/childcare-transportation-2021.
About HopSkipDrive
Designed by protective moms and driven by caregivers, HopSkipDrive is the innovative, safe, dependable youth transportation solution for schools, districts, government agencies, and families. HopSkipDrive's advanced technology platform and industry-leading operational expertise provide flexibility and visibility while helping create opportunity for all through mobility.
Since 2014, HopSkipDrive has expanded to nine states and 16 major markets. A venture capital-backed company, HopSkipDrive shares investors with well-known brands like Airbnb, Pinterest, Bird and Ring.
Learn more at hopskipdrive.com.
Media Contact
Aylin Cook, HopSkipDrive, +1 805-798-1714, [email protected]
SOURCE HopSkipDrive
Share this article