This reference offers a comprehensive overview of public policies and programs related to child care in Africa, Asia, Latin America, Oceania, Europe, and North America. Individual chapters profile policies and programs in 29 countries. Each chapter contains a description of existing policies and programs, presented against a particular historical, cultural, and ideological backdrop. The chapters are arranged in alphabetical order to facilitate use as a reference, and each includes a list of works for further reading. The volume begins with an introductory essay that overviews recent trends and developments around the world. The chapters that follow discuss the background and history of child care, demographic characteristics of the country profiled, the socioeconomic context of child care, and the extent and nature of government intervention. A final chapter synthesizes the information presented and makes crossnational comparisons of policies and programs. Appendices provide demographic data and describe maternity and parental leave policies. A general bibliography concludes the work, making it a useful and current reference tool.

The Debate Over Child Care: 1969-1990 offers a new perspective on the pervading problem of providing child care services in the United States. The author traces the contemporary debate over the sponsorship of child care services and compares this to the past debate over the sponsorship of kindergartens during the Progressive Era. Klein compares the function of child care across societal sectors, and points out that turf fighting and imbedded ideological differences have prohibited the development of a proactive social policy for providing needed child care services. She analyzes the advantages and disadvantages of five different sponsors: the public schools, the church, private enterprise, non-profit organizations, and corporations. Past and present federal legislation is discussed in relation to the divisive issue of sponsorship.

One of America's leading child psychiatrists reveals how parents can give young children the very best start while maintaining their working lives.

As the U.S. economy continues to falter and families face ongoing wage stagnation and widening income inequalities, there is an urgent need for a better, integrated approach to child care. This accessible, up-to-date account of the chronic issues plaguing child care reform offers viable solutions drawn from a model state child care system in the state of North Carolina. Original data from interdisciplinary research illustrates the complex landscape of U.S. child care, as well as the ambiguous relationship society has with the sobering statistic that 64% of women with children under six are employed and in need of reliable, high-quality care of their young children. Book Features: The history and demographics of U.S. child care policy.Analysis of several persistent forces impeding the emergence of a national child care system.Contemporary ideas about motherhood, employment, and providing child care for pay.An extensive review of research on child care and child development.Recommendations focusing on policy integration and workforce development. “In The States of Child Care, Sara Gable gives voice to the perspectives of parents, practitioners, and advocates to help readers deepen their understanding of our past, what needs to change in the present, and what strategies they can use to make progress now.” —From the Foreword by Marcy Whitebook, Director, Center for the Study of Child Care Employment, Berkeley, CA Sara Gable is an associate professor and extension specialist in the Department of Nutrition and Exercise Physiology at the University of Missouri.

Childcare is one of the most debated issues today. This volume provides a comprehensive and current review of childcare research and public policy issues. Chapters are contributed by leaders from such fields as developmental research and early childhood education as well as by public policy officials. All major discussions and debates are summarized to promote a complete overview and speak to key issues of the day including affordability, availability, and staffing.