In 1971, the Canada Assistance Plan Directorate of the Department of National Health and Welfare conducted a national survey designed to (1) provide an inventory of day care spaces which would serve as a baseline from which to compare future growth in day care, and (2) evaluate the impact of any new initiative of the federal government in the day care field. The inventory was updated each year from 1973 through 1979, and the same survey questionnaire was used each time. For the present survey, age categories established in 1978 were used and interprovincial comparison data collected. Major findings of the survey are reported in two broad categories: (1) increase in day care services, and (2) age groups served by day care programs. Data are also provided on latchkey children and the sponsorship of day care centers. (Author/RH)