National Household Education Survey (NHES) Series

The National Household Education Survey (NHES) reports on the condition of education in the United States by collecting data at the household level rather than using a traditional, school-based data collection system. The surveys attempt to address many current issues in education, such as preprimary education, school safety and discipline, adult education, and activities related to citizenship.

This survey included three topical survey components.

• The Early Childhood Program Participation Survey addressed the nonparental care and program participation of preschool children, that is, children from birth through age six and not yet enrolled in kindergarten or higher grades. The survey collected information on all of the child's current, regular care arrangements, such as care by a relative or by someone not related to the child, in a private home as well as at a day care center or preschool, including Head Start. Information was collected about the number of hours per week or per month that the child received nonparental care, as well as parental perceptions of the factors associated with choosing such care. Other information was collected on topics such as educational activities at home, emerging literacy and numeracy, the child's characteristics (including health and disability status), and parent/guardian and household characteristics. Interviews were completed with parents of 7,209 preschool children.

• The After-School Programs and Activities Survey focused on children enrolled in kindergarten through eighth grade who were aged 15 years or younger. Parents reported on the after-school arrangements in which their children participated, including care by relatives or nonrelatives in a private home, after-school programs in schools or centers, activities that might provide adult supervision in the after-school hours, and children's self-care. Other information includes reasons for choosing parental care, the child's characteristics (including health and disability status), and parent/guardian and household characteristics. Interviews were conducted with the parents of 11,684 students.

• The Adult Education Survey measured participation in the following types of formal educational activities: English as a Second Language (ESL), basic skills and General Education Development (GED) preparation courses, college or university degree or certificate programs, vocational or technical diploma programs, apprenticeship programs, courses or training for work-related reasons, and personal-interest classes or courses. In addition, information was collected on participation in informal learning activities for personal interest. The survey also gathered information on employer support for educational activities. Detailed information about educational attainment, employment, and household characteristics was also collected from both participants and nonparticipants. Adults aged 16 and older who were not enrolled in twelfth grade or below, who were noninstitutionalized, and who were not serving on active military duty were eligible for this survey. Interviews were completed with 8,904 respondents, 4,732 of whom had participated in formal educational activities in the past year and 4,172 of whom had not.