Desiree French

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Desiree French
Former researcher, Graduate School of Education,
University of California, Berkeley

Desiree French is a data scientist specializing in qualitative and quantitative data analysis, interdisciplinary research, and project management. She was formerly a researcher with the Graduate School of Education at the University of California, Berkeley, where her work focused on how social ties influence child care choices for women transitioning from welfare to work. French received her MA in education from Stanford University. 

updated 2025

Publications by Desiree French
How Mothers Balance Work Requirements and Parenting
This paper examines how mothers select childcare to meet welfare-to-work requirements. Interviews with seven mothers from different ethnic groups show that trust in childcare providers to keep their children safe is the most important criterion.…
Mothers Balance Work and Child Care Under Welfare Reform—Executive Summary
A four-year study aimed to learn how welfare reform affects children's upbringing and development, showing early warning signals such as low-quality childcare and social isolation among women. The report provides a baseline picture for 948 families…