Notes that one of the reasons that so many social workers are sympathetic to the day care movement is that they do not believe that families are capable of providing their children with the necessary guidance and care. (Author/AM)

Analysis of governmental promotion of out-of-home child care (OHCC) versus parental child care indicates no superiority of OHCC based on children's welfare or families' economic requirements. Ways are needed to support parental care of young children and to counterbalance day care subsidies with equivalent subsidies to parents raising their own…

Describes public day care in Scandinavian countries. Argues that a "second welfare state" has emerged to carry out some family functions. Discusses repercussions for children and families, as well as problems of equity, quality, and bureaucratization in the system. Suggests that the United States can benefit from Scandinavian experience.…