This paper examines the current context and historical background of Federal Day Care Standards. Section I briefly defines the term standards, describes different types of standards, and discusses the rationale for minimum day care standards. Also examined in this section are: the process of standard formulation; legal defense of a standard as reasonable; dangers in standards as seen by the legal profession; and standards as a vehicle for social change. Section II traces the history of day care standards in the United States. Topics discussed include: (1) early history, (2) standards and national organizations, (3) recent history of standards and the government, (4) legislative history of the Federal Interagency Day Care Requirements, (5) Congressional intent, (6) administrative history of FIDCR, (7) evolution of standards for day care, (8) some basic issues, and (9) regulation in context. (JMB)