The purpose of this policy seminar, one of a series of family impact seminars, was to consider current and proposed policies of the federal government that concern child care. This document provides highlights of presentations by the seminar panelists and a background briefing report prepared before the meeting. The highlights section summarizes: (1) introductory comments by moderator Theodora Ooms; (2) Patricia Divine-Hawkins' overview of current federal child care programs and the need for coordination among the 22 programs; (3) Stuart Kerachsky's discussion of the child care component of the Family Support Act (FSA); (4) Ron Haskins' review of current and proposed tax legislation that affects child care; (5) Jill Kagan's overview of findings of the Select Committee for Children, Youth, and Families that relate to grants-based child care; and (6) Virginia duRivage's critique of the tax-based approach to child care. The briefing report begins with a definition of child care; statistics on working mothers and child care; and a discussion of problems in the child care market. The report then goes on to identify the goals of child care policy in regard to encouraging maternal employment; providing support for mothers who wish to work; and protecting and enhancing children's cognitive, emotional, and social development. Next, a review of current federal policy offers information on the need for coordination among state child care policies; the FSA; guaranteed child care for Jobs Opportunities and Basic Skills Program participants; and transitional child care assistance. After a review of proposed policies and legislation, the briefing report concludes with a discussion of criteria for assessing the impact of the policies on families. The report contains 33 references. (AC)