This paper sorts out the kinds of information policy makers need at the community level, suggests ways to acquire kinds of information especially relevant and difficult to obtain, and indicates the range of options open to communities in developing day care programs. (Author)

A combination of many factors indicates that during this decade the number of children requiring day care will increase enormously. Planning the expansion of day care services to meet this need involves public policy decisions on several fronts--welfare, manpower, education--with possibilities of great benefit or loss to society. (Author/WY)

Appraises foster care and advocates its change from a largely custodial system to one that is essentially treatment-oriented. Development of a placement continuum from least intrusive (day care) to most intrusive (hospitalization), with a variety of intermediate options including foster home care, is crucial. (NH)

Discussed the following aspects of a well-functioning family day care program: (1) clustering of homes; (2) preservice and inservice workshops; (3) consultation; (4) family day care assistants; (5) stable method of payment; (6) alternative systems; and (7) agency attitudes toward day care mothers. (Author/SDH)

The comprehensive professional training program of a multiprogram child care agency is discussed in terms of its value for staff members in their day-to-day work with emotionally disturbed and handicapped children and their families. (Author/RH)

Describes Maryland's extensive network of day care centers for severely mentally retarded children. Specific characteristics, stipulated for all the programs, are reviewed. (Author/AJ)