As more mothers have entered the labor force, services for preschoolers have expanded rapidly, though somewhat haphazardly. Firm political and economic commitments must be made if organized child care is to meet parents' and children's needs. (Author/GC)

In spite of the pressing need for good day care programs resulting mainly from a dramatic increase in the number of working mothers, there is no (federal) program of child care in the United States, except for the very poor. From the hypothesis that the lack of government response to growing day care needs reflects negative public attitudes toward…

Changes in the structure and needs of the American family are requiring changes in government and workplace policies. Discusses current policies related to day care, parental leave, work schedules, income support, and child support enforcement. Psychological research is needed to develop effective family policies. (Author/BJV)

Noting that families need access to high quality care so that their children can start school ready to learn and so that parents can work, this report examines state child care subsidy policy choices. Following an executive summary, chapter 1 of the report discusses state policy regarding eligibility criteria related to families receiving welfare,…

This paper presents an ecological approach to the study of day care, addressing the interaction of such factors as the developmental needs of children, the role of family structure, and the impact of governmental funding and regulatory policies. (Author/LMO)

Reviews developments pertinent to services for Australian children of preschool age. Emphasis is placed on the influence of school personnel, in league with the community, in the development of services for preschool-aged children. Focus is directed toward establishing standards to minimize developmental risks in children. (Author/DB)

Emphasizing the effects of changes in social policy on black children, this report describes the federal administration's proposed and completed funding for social programs for fiscal years 1982-85 and outlines strategies for those interested in affecting program policy. Social programs are grouped under three main headings: (1) health and child…

This compilation contains the verbatim texts of recommendations made by states' delegates from 16 northeastern states participating in the Baltimore regional conference of the White House Conference on Families. The recommendations are organized by topic for each of the individual states. Topics include the following as related to the family: work…

This compilation contains the verbatim texts of recommendations made by states' delegates from 11 midwest and southern states participating in the Minneapolis regional conference of the White House Conference on Families. The recommendations are organized by topic for each of the individual states. Topics include the following as related to the…

This compilation contains the verbatim texts of recommendations made by states' delegates from 20 western states participating in the Los Angeles regional conference of the White House Conference on Families. The recommendations are organized by topic for each of the individual states. Topics include the following as related to the family: child…

This background paper was commissioned to survey the condition of child care in Australia. The first three sections give statistical data on the current patterns of care arrangements and the factors contributing to a demand for expanded and more flexible child care services, i.e., family composition, income, and work arrangements. The next section…

This paper reflects upon the policy development and implementation of integrated or coordinated services of early childhood education and care (ECEC) within a systemic perspective, focusing on issues of relevance to both developed and developing countries. The paper is divided into four parts: (1) issues related to ECEC's cultural and historical…

This report aims to provide an answer to the question of whether there is an economic justification for public intervention to improve the quality of nonparental child care, especially for lower income families. Evidence from large- and small-scale studies of the effects of child care on children's development is presented, and the economic…

Summarizes research on various aspects of mothering, including the decision to have children, child rearing in the early years and maternal employment, and late parenting with adult children. Urges an ecological perspective toward parenting and various publicly and privately-supported child care facilities and arrangements. (CJM)

This report provides an executive summary and overviews of the transcripts of each of the seven National hearings held prior to the White House Conference on Families. Involving testimony of citizens and experts, and site visits to innovative programs and groups serving families, the Hearings were held in Kansas, Tennessee, Colorado, Connecticut,…