Patterns of participation in early learning and child care among families with potential socioeconomic disadvantages in Canada

Various studies have shown that children from socioeconomically disadvantaged families are more likely to have poorer outcomes than children from more advantaged families and that such gaps could be reduced by participating in early learning and child care (ELCC). Using the 2019 Survey on Early Learning and Child Care Arrangements, a nationally representative survey that provides the most updated and detailed information on child care for children aged 0 to 5 years, this study examines the patterns of ELCC participation among families with potential socioeconomic disadvantages in Canada.