Data from the National Longitudinal Survey show that most employed mothers rely on relatives for child care, particularly low-income mothers. Weekly expenditures averaged $45 for older mothers to $60 for younger mothers. Lower-income women were more likely to have gaps in employment because of child care problems. (SK)

Recognizing that licensing or certification have not been an effective method of supervising or insuring quality of family day care, the largest form of out-of-home, non-relative care of children, this paper describes an alternative way of building more developmental care into family day care homes. The growth and progress of WATCH (Women…

Data from a nationally representative sample of 55,000 households were used to examine effects of selected background variables on use of substitute care by employed women with infants under one year old. Although all background variables were significantly related to choice of substitute caregiving arrangements, degree of association was only…

Maintains that the reasons behind child care workers' low pay are inequitable wages for women, devaluation of children, and minimization of the skill involved in working with children. (BB)

Data from 971 mothers suggested that (1) price is critical in child care choice; (2) parents do not consistently select high quality care; and (3) mothers with higher wages and families with higher incomes prefer center care. Vouchers, reduced fees, or tax credits consistently increase use of day care centers. (SK)

Results are reported from a survey conducted to examine the interdependence of family and work, with special emphasis given to the child care arrangements that make work possible. A total of 953 employees (458 women, 490 men, and 5 not reporting their sex) from three companies in Washington, D.C., were sent a four-page questionnaire designed to…

Studies of the demand for different modes of childcare by households of different socioeconomic characteristics reveal that family income has little effect on modal choice, and most working mothers choose at-home care for economically rational reasons. The case for a public role in this market is weak. (Author/GDC)

This paper, presented in both English and French, reviews the major findings of the 1978 National Day Care Study in Canada. Among the findings: (1) the number of spaces in day care increased slightly (from 81,651 in 1977 to 82,279 in 1978); this increase is attributable to the expansion of family day care: while spaces in day care centers…

The Family Day Care Career Program plan of New York City provides day care for approximately 3500 children of public assistance or low income career mothers (working, in school, or in training) in the homes of teacher mothers (day care mothers). The day care homes are administered by 21 sub-centers, which provide support for teacher mothers…

Part of a longitudinal study of women and their first-born children who have different employment and day care experiences during the children's first three years of life, this study focuses on the socioemotional development of children at 18 months of age, who had received at least nine months of continuous day care. Particular attention is given…

This paper summarizes theories of American family organization, points out social changes that have had an impact on family structure, and discusses implications of current social and political conditions for child care policy. It is suggested that monistic characterizations of the family, emphasizing self-sufficiency and only one kind of family…

Supplemented with 20 tables of data, this discussion focuses on the changing environment of Australian families and society. Specifically offered are descriptions of child care arrangements, a rationale for children's services, and policy suggestions. With respect to child care arrangements, it is noted that the family environment has been altered…

This report presents current statistics, reports, statutory language, and regulations pertaining to child care in the United States in 1974. A short summary precedes the numerous tables which compose nearly three-quarters of the report. These tables illustrate the following kinds of data: (1) the number and status of children needing child care;…

This report represents a statewide survey of child care services in North Carolina, including day care centers, family day care homes, nursery schools, and kindergartens. Interviews were conducted to ascertain the extent to which North Carolinian children were receiving adequate health care, adequate nutrition, and other basic care. Data on family…

This report describes a one-year feasibility study to design a functional child development model for infant day care in Hamilton County, Ohio. Mothers of babies under 18 months were interviewed by telephone to determine use of and interest in infant day care. Assessment was made of existing resources for full time day care in the county…