Late talking in a low-income sample: Child care as a protective factor

Children from low socioeconomic (SES) households have a higher-than-average rate of exhibiting late talking (LT). Population-based studies have identified risk and protective factors for LT, yet low-SES families are underrepresented. This study examined LT and household characteristics among low-SES families. Mothers (n = 199; 42% Black, 42% White, 17% Other; Mean age = 31.62) completed sociodemographic questionnaires and the MacArthur-Bates Communicative Development Inventory when their children (46% female) were 22-30 months. Using logistic regression, the probability of LT based on household characteristics was examined. Children not attending child care had 4.71 times higher odds of LT than attendees. Researchers should examine whether participation in child care may increase language input and interaction, facilitative of learning, reducing LT risk. Implications for research and policy are discussed.