The problem of caring for the mildly ill child in day care has received little attention. Most state policies require exclusion of sick children. This article discusses recent developments and describes four models of providing such care. Criteria for evaluating ill child care arrangements are offered. (Author/MT)

Provides compilation of guidelines for purchasing educational toys. Considers the value of educational toys, including their appeal and stimulation, age appropriateness, and open-endedness; the toys' construction quality, including methods of construction and manufacturer reputation; safety factors, especially potential for choking and poisoning;…

The author refutes arguments against day care, citing the needs of working women and the advantages of the day-care environment to young children. She considers the cost obstacles to expanded day-care service. (SJL)

Examines progress being made in South Africa to bring quality child care to the nation's children. Describes recent government efforts to develop an interim policy for early childhood development, review accreditation standards, and build the capacity of governmental and nongovernmental organizations to develop early childhood programs. Describes…

Suggests transition activities, in the form of songs, riddles, and other activities, that can be used in child care settings to gather children together, get children's attention, move children from one place to another, and encourage children to clean up their work or play areas. (BC)

Provides guidelines for selecting furniture for early childhood settings. Discusses the role of taste, curriculum and space, quality and safety, and budget in making purchasing decisions. Delineates appropriate seat height and table height for children of different ages. (KB)

Assessment of the expectations of families with handicapped (N=9) and nonhandicapped (N=50) young children before and after the introduction of handicapped children into a day care center revealed both groups felt that greatest benefits were derived from exposing children to the "real" world and promoting acceptance of handicapped children.…

Used data from a family child care study and a licensing study to identify dimensions best predicting global day care quality in over 300 child care homes. Found that caregiver training most consistently predicted global quality. Found no reliable association between care quality and child-caregiver ratio or age-weighted group size recommendations…

Used ethnographic methodologies in day care setting to explore potential impacts of changing roles and changing dependencies on women, children, and families. Findings suggest various supports for women and families that will enhance the environment of child care and facilitate interactive child development. (Author/NB)

Surveyed administrators of adult day-care centers (n=36) and child day-care centers (n=300) to gather information about professionals' perceptions of benefits and problems associated with providing regular intergenerational exchanges in day-care settings. Found that problems attributed to generational differences and organizational/service…

Discusses how including direct mail in marketing a child care program can enhance enrollment. Describes how to develop an effective plan and design the mailing pieces creatively. Discusses the importance of having realistic expectations of the level of response. (KB)

Investigated the effect of setting on the social referencing of 48 children of 6-40 months. Behavioral regulation was observed in familiar child care centers and an unfamiliar university laboratory. Affect was not influenced by setting and showed regulation only for the oldest children. (RJC)

Proposes values to instill in children to create successful caregivers: life is not about winning or losing; it is alright to trust themselves; words matter; values must be lived; diversity is to be enjoyed; gentleness and quiet feed the soul; only a portion belongs to them; life can be about gathering, not sorting; and that life is people. (KB)

Describes the process of designing and building a playground for 3- to 6-year-olds in Brazil. Describes how the playground design incorporated recommendations of the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission's "Handbook for Public Safety," how local materials were obtained, and how funding was secured. (KB)

Details guidelines for selecting books for young children in child care settings. Describes categories of children's books, including ABC books, counting books, and wordless picture books. Provides suggestions for preparing books for use by young children, and delineates steps for planning book experiences with young children and teaching children…