The use of nonparental day care for children has increased over the past
several decades and mirrors changes in the social and economic fabric of
the United States. In the case of the early preschool child, precise
understanding of the implications of day care for later development remains
elusive. Of equal concern are the implications of early preschool day care
for the family unit and especially the mother. What constitutes
appropriate, safe, and affordable day care has been debated. The impact of
poor care is demonstrable for both the child and family. Quality day care
offers the potential for positive psychological development of the child
and the family. The research related to day care for young children has
expanded our knowledge of child development, but it also highlights a need
for expanded research using refined measures of psychological growth and
child-parent interaction. This report was approved by the APA Board of
Trustees in December 1992.Abstract Teaser