This publication examines the establishment of family day care systems, particularly with regard to rural communities. After an introduction outlining the positive aspects of family day care, information is presented on (1) the Child Care Food Program, (2) the organization of training programs for family day care providers and establishment of a toy-lending library, and (3) the setting up of a child care resource and referral service. The problems of providing high quality child care at an affordable price to low-income parents are examined, as is the possibility of training low-income parents to become providers. Finally, family day care support groups and associations are discussed, and a list of resource organizations and publications dealing with family day care is presented. (PCB)