For this exploratory study, 20 child care aides, teachers, and directors in 4 different types of child care centers in Santa Clara County, California, were interviewed. The four centers were: (1) a nonprofit center subsidized by the state that served 166 children of AFDC-eligible parents or parents in job training programs; (2) a nonprofit center serving 115 children that was subsidized by a local social service agency; (3) a private, for-profit center that served 163 children and was funded entirely by parent fees; and (4) a private, for-profit center that was part of a nationally franchised chain. Respondents were asked background questions and questions about their education and training, their decision to enter the field and to take their current job, their current working conditions and job satisfaction, and their thoughts about alternative jobs. Findings are presented in sections on pay and benefits, adequacy of staffing, managerial skills and style of directors, opportunities for professional development, and relations with children and parents. Concluding discussion summarizes several inexpensive policies which were thought by the respondents to enhance job satisfaction. (RH)