This book consists of working papers presented at the national child care conference and is intended to rejuvenate interest in the child care agenda for the 1990s. The first paper addresses child care policy and its relationship to child and family poverty, and child care and its connection to economic and labor force strategies. The second paper examines creating a child care system within the framework of a market delivery model, and the roles played by the federal and provincial governments in creating a national child care system. The third paper describes current provincial, territorial and federal child care funding programs and policies, discusses why Canada does not have a publicly funded child care system, and makes recommendations for change. The fourth paper discusses what is needed in a comprehensive child care system and illustrates how services can be delivered and coordinated. The fifth paper explores common characteristics of child care staff, examines current work environments in child care settings, and suggests policy directions. The sixth paper emphasizes the importance of a national child care strategy in relation to the commitment to the equality of women. The seventh paper provides an overview of the experiences of a company involved in child care and other work and family issues. The last paper examines the role of private community based non-profits in a national and public system of child care. Information on membership application and publications for the Ontario Coalition for Better Child Care Network and lists of Briefs to the Ontario government and the Federal government are provided. Most papers contain references. (BAC)