This report presents current statistics, reports, statutory language, and regulations pertaining to child care in the United States in 1974. A short summary precedes the numerous tables which compose nearly three-quarters of the report. These tables illustrate the following kinds of data: (1) the number and status of children needing child care; (2) the number of women in the labor force, both in female-headed and husband-wife families, particularly in relation to status and income; (3) child care arrangements available (with approximate usage), including preprimary schools, child care centers, family day care and home care, with particular reference to the care of children under six years of age; (4) federal involvement in child care, including type of involvement and fiscal level; and (5) current state and federal licensing standards and regulations. The appendices include excerpts from various reports that either were used in compiling the data or are included to elucidate certain issues. (ED)