Discusses efforts of states to develop plans to implement the Child Care and Development Block Grant and reexamine and strengthen state child care policies. Describes plans from four states. Lists key elements for an effective early childhood development system. (SH)

Maintains that, as for other families with young children, availability, quality, and cost are important child care issues for families with special needs, including families with single heads of household, families with female heads of household, families in poverty, minority families, and families with handicapped children. (BB)

Presents key findings from a survey on direct state expenditures for child care and early childhood development services. The survey found striking disparities among the 50 states, as well as patterns of inadequate investment in every state. Recommendations are offered to increase and improve state and federal investments in such services to…

Provides an overview of Family Support Act child care programs and highlights the successes and missed opportunities of the programs' first years. Areas discussed include child care for parents in training programs; child care for working parents receiving Aid to Families with Dependent Children (AFDC); the At-Risk Child Care program; and welfare…

Discusses new state child care provisions to be implemented as part of the Job Opportunities and Basic Skills Training Program (JOBS Program) for Aid to Families with Dependent Children (AFDC) parents under the welfare reform bill, the Family Support Act. (BB)

Surveys how states are investing new federal money in child care quality and supply. Examines several key areas: child care licensing and monitoring; resource and referral services; child care for infants, school-agers, and children with special needs; child care for low-income families; comprehensive and enriched services; provider training;…

In response to the lack of a coordinated effort to provide high-quality, affordable early childhood education to all children in the United States, the National Association for the Education of Young Children initiated a series of steps that will serve as the basis of coalitions at the federal, state, and local levels to advocate financing early…

Addresses a number of arguments against government involvement in child care. Advocates carefully delimiting the involvement of government in child care. (BB)