The Child Care Action Campaign commissioned research from nine leading economists and policy analysts for the purpose of focusing attention on the link between economic well-being and child care. After the preparation of the research, a national convention was convened to discuss the connection between child care and economic well-being, and to develop a policy consensus for action. A total of 850 leaders from all 50 states attended. This report provides a synthesis of the economic research presented and the policy discussions held at the conference. Part 1 provides the Child Care Action Campaign's statement of policy, including eight key principles underlying a coordinated system of child care. Also provided are recommendations for federal, state, and local governments, employers, academia, media, parents, and the public. Part 2 offers a discussion of the child care market in terms of the current system and its users, high quality care, and sources of leadership. Part 3 considers the relation between child care and the nation's economy. Discussion in this part focuses on: (1) change in the economy, the family, and the labor force; (2) the effect of child care on the labor force; (3) poverty and welfare reform; and (4) early education and the future labor force. A brief description of the nature of corporate involvement in child care is appended. (RH)