Describes the development and characteristics of the Parent-Caregiver Relationship Scale, which shows promise as a measure of parents' and caregivers' perceptions of one another and of their relationship for studies of infants, parents, and caregivers in the context of full-time child care. The scale includes measures of trust/confidence, open…

This document summarizes presentations from the 1996 Child Care Aware conference, which celebrated successful child care innovations, evaluated new strategies in family child care professional development and consumer education, and posed challenging issues for the future in these areas, especially as they relate to low-income families. Section 1,…

Addressed to individuals providing unregulated child care in their homes, this booklet presents basic recordkeeping and tax rules. The booklet discusses the following topics: (1) child care regulations, focusing on the benefits of being regulated; (2) the business of child care, listing possible tax deductions; (3) the tax consequences of caring…

This book presents reviews and analyses from a variety of disciplinary perspectives that place American and Canadian family day care in a historical, demographic, social, and economic context. The 15 chapters are: (1) "Family Day Care: Issues and Information Needs" (Donald Peters and Alan Pence); (2) "Historical Perspectives on…

Focusing on formal care arrangements, this literature review proposes that: (1) caregivers' ambivalent and critical attitudes toward parents are not surprising nor risky for children; (2) high rates of parental satisfaction with day care are a product of perceived marketplace constraints; and (3) documented low rates of caregiver-parent contact…

At some point in many children's lives, parents are faced with the difficult question, "What about child care?" Intended for both parents and providers, this guide is designed to help parents decide whether family child care is suited to their needs, guiding them through the process of choosing a provider and allowing them a look behind…

With increasing numbers of infants in need of child care, the demand for infant care programs has grown. This handbook was designed to meet the need for technical assistance regarding program components and workable practices geared specifically to infant and toddler care. Part 1 of the handbook, "Considerations in Infant and Toddler…

This report describing family day care in Denmark is based on discussions with early childhood professionals in Denmark. Regulations for conducting family day care are set out in national guidelines which focus on: (1) supervision of children and providers by a trained child care professional who oversees not more than 50 children; (2) selection…

Exploring the stresses and dangers substitute mothering may pose to a toddler's personality development, this paper points out behavioral hallmarks of toddlerhood, describes the main developmental tasks toddlers have to master, and discusses factors that facilitate healthy development during this phase. Special emphasis is given to the most…

Compiled as a result of Massachusetts Bay Community College's Family Day Care Training Program, this handbook includes suggestions, quotations, and information provided by program completers. First, the handbook defines family day care as the care of one to six children, including the provider's own, in a private residence during all or part of…

Notes that working parents of preschoolers find it difficult to schedule time for direct involvement in their child's education or care program without special arrangements with employers, who frequently are unwilling to make arrangements. Presents ways schools or centers can create a community climate in which employers are encouraged and…

This guide provides a resource for those who would like to start a profitable child care program in their own home or apartment. Chapter 1 of the guide deals with general issues such as examining one's motives for the child care business, assessing one's aptitude as a caregiver, deciding whether to be self-employed or agency affiliated, and…

This study examined the relationship between the family day care home provider and the mother, and the effect of this relationship on treatment of the child by the provider. Interactions between 25 family child care providers and mothers, and between providers and children, were observed. Observations of interactions between mothers and providers…

This report reviews the literature pertaining to parent and caregiver attitudes, values, and practices, and their effects on children. Topics include: (1) child care selection; (2) assessment of continuity between the home and day care; (3) communication between parents and caregivers; (4) variables which affect communication; (5) parent and…

Although informal care provided by relatives, friends, and neighbors is the oldest and most widespread form of child care, it received little attention from researchers or policymakers until the late 1980s. This report summarizes what available research says about informal child care and identifies significant gaps in knowledge. Information was…