Drawing on in-depth interviews with 20 family child care providers of diverse race, ethnicity, immigrant status, and social class, this book explores the social, political, and economic forces and processes that draw women into the work of family child care. The articles dispel not only myths about why women choose to be family child care…

Communication and the exchange of information are key components of the relationships between parents of young children and the staff of programs that serve them. Professionals who work with families are likely to be more effective when they are aware of how aspects of their own communication practices may affect parents' ability and willingness…

Caring for infants and toddlers has long been conceptualized in Western society as mothers' work, and consequently devalued. Alternative care for infants and toddlers has lacked a knowledge base like that undergirding preschool education. Factors impeding research on infant/toddler care include strong ideological opposition to nonmaternal care,…

Examined differences in childrearing beliefs and changes in mothers' and fathers' beliefs over a six-month period. Results of Luster Parental Beliefs Survey and Personal Style Inventory indicated significant differences between mothers and fathers in beliefs about spoiling, and between mothers and care providers in beliefs about discipline.…

Presents tips for organizing an effective parent involvement program: (1) develop a philosophy statement; (2) value family values, traditions, and beliefs; (3) reach out to parents; (4) train for effective communication; (5) encourage parent involvement in program activities; (6) provide involvement opportunities; (7) seek parental input; (8)…

Describes how child care staff assisted one mother in working through separation difficulties with her 18-month-old. Focuses on staff understanding their own emotional response related to separation issues and working with the support of their director to build a positive relationship with the mother. Asserts that empathy is important to help…

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…

Based on the view that child development occurs within a relationship involving mutuality and that development and the teaching/learning process are intertwined with the social environment, this book examines the critical relationship between child care providers and the young children they care for and teach. Along with an extended discussion of…

The Families Matter series of papers from the Harvard Family Research Project advances the concept of family-centered child care, advocating an approach to early childhood education that addresses the development of the child and family together. Grounded in family support principles, which build on family strengths and work from a community's…

Describes the transformation of women from babysitters to child care professionals as a result of becoming a family child care provider in the U.S. military Family Child Care (FCC) program. Discusses application process, orientation training, the use of peer mentors, initial setup, inspections, enrollment, caregiver training, and accreditation.…

Suggests that, considering the many benefits to mothers, babies, and caregivers, maintaining the breastfeeding relationship is an important aspect of quality child care. Provides an extended list of breastfeeding advantages. Proposes that care providers should fully realize the positive difference breastfeeding can make, encourage mothers' choice…

Discusses an agency program in which biological and foster mothers both share in child care. Describes the feelings of both groups of mothers about the experience. (BC)

Presents an individual model of quality child care in which infant-caregiver, parent-caregiver, and peer relationships are central features. The model considers the influence of precare differences and the effect of program characteristics and standards on the well-being of children, parents, and caregivers. (MM)

Notes that parent orientation is one of the most important functions of center directors and provides an opportunity to discuss expectations and describe the program. Describes one center's curriculum and procedures such as nutrition guidelines, and payment and pick-up processes. Notes additional benefits of parent orientation in terms of…

Suggests that mastering the toilet is a significant step for young children, and one of childhood's earliest rites of passage. Suggests that in learning to control body functions, toddlers step toward independence, self-reliance and personal responsibility. Urges child care workers to work with parents to identify a child's readiness and to agree…