In the journal section Improving the Lives of Children: Three Programs from around the World, this article about childminding-known as family child care in the U.S.-discusses advances in the training and professionalism of home-based child care providers in Britain. The author explains childminding networks, and looks at the contributions of…

Examines some of the basic issues involved in creating a warm and safe day-care environment for infants and toddlers, one that supports and promotes development and learning. Describing policies that were generated from everyday classroom experience, discusses the issues of security and trust, separation anxiety, group size, exploration and…

Describes the Quality 2000 Advancing Early Care and Education Initiative whose purpose is to address the quality crisis in early childhood education. Details eight areas of improvement and recommendations: (1) quality; (2) results; (3) family engagement; (4) staff credentialing; (5) staff training; (6) licensing; (7) funding; and (8) governance…