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 his article "The 'Effects' of Infant Day Care Reconsidered," Jay Belsky (see PS 017 108) concludes that maternal employment puts infants at risk for developing emotional insecurity and social maladjustment. After a review of Belsky's and other research, a different conclusion is offered in this paper. It is agreed that infants whose…

Reviews three areas of research relevant to the impact of women's changing status on children's development: infant competence, maternal employment, and group care of very young children. Concludes that women's increasing social participation will not harm but rather benefit children, as long as comprehensive family support services are provided.…

Men are taking a more active role in child care. By 1991, 20% of preschool children were cared for by their fathers while their mothers worked outside the home--an increase since 1988, when only 15 percent of preschoolers were cared for by their fathers. This report summarizes the latest findings on child care arrangements of mothers who work…

Three major areas of research are reviewed: the effects of maternal employment on preschoolers; the working mother and school-age children; and working mothers, identity development, and life satisfaction. Concludes that very few definitive answers exist regarding the effects of a mother's working on her family, children, and herself. (Author)

Predicts that changing sociocultural patterns will affect services for Australian children in the 1980s. Among topics discussed are demographic changes: a decreased birth rate and an increased number of working mothers in fatherless families at the poverty level. Compensatory education programs and family policy development in Western societies…

Illustrates the role of the family in linking sociopolitical changes to adolescent development by outlining some differences in structures of families of East and West Germany. Synthesizes survey data on this topic. Areas discussed include family formation, unmarried couples and parents, maternal employment, public child care, divorce and…

This report examines the relationship between the federal government's child care programs and policies and the federal government's goal of equal opportunity for women. Specifically, the report reviews three dimensions of federal child care activities: programs and policies whose primary purpose is to assist families with child care; the…

The purpose of this paper is to examine the connection between work and family functioning in Australia by critically reviewing relevant literature, especially literature concerning empirical research. Special attention is given to Australian literature and data. However, where local material is lacking, information from overseas (frequently…

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…

Three major areas that can provide helpful information for developing planning strategies for dealing with the family-career connection are discussed: (1) the career development of women, (2) the child care and homemaking roles of men, and (3) the effects of parental employment on children. (CT)

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 demographic study outlines changes in society over the last 25 years that have affected children and discusses children's intellectual and physical development; changes in family structure; and the effects of social, economic, and political factors on the environment for children. Implications for children's services in public libraries are…

Prompted by the lack of federal involvement in extended day programs for elementary school students in Chicago, this literature review presents background information on national after-school programs for school-age children. Discussed are the history of federal involvement in child care, current federal legislation and programs, the participation…

This report was prepared because of the growing national interest in the questions of work and family dynamics. It puts together 82 key statistics on work and family issues in four major areas: child care, parental leave, alternative work schedules, and elder care. In addition, a chapter of miscellaneous statistics covers areas such as the…