America's child care problem : the way out / Suzanne W. Helburn and Barbara R. Bergmann.

Format:

Book

Author/Creator:

Helburn, Suzanne W. (Suzanne Wiggins), 1930-

Contributor:

Bergmann, Barbara R.

Language:

English

Subjects (All):

Child care services--United States.

Child care services.

United States.

Physical Description:

viii, 262 pages ; 24 cm

Edition:

First Palgrave edition.

Place of Publication:

New York, N.Y. : Palgrave for St. Martin's Press, 2002.

Summary:

The revolution in women's lives has created an unprecedented demand for non-parental child care, and sparked a growing child care industry run mainly by private providers. In this book, two esteemed economists examine the causes and potential cures of the child care problems that face this country today. Writing for policy-makers, parents, and providers alike, Suzanne W. Helburn and Barbara R. Bergmann provide an in-depth look at the child care industry, identifying crucial problems such as quality of care and the high cost of even mediocre care. Moreover, the authors identify needed changes -- including stronger regulatory procedures on providers and suppliers of care -- and tens of billions more in government subsidies to provide help for hard-pressed parents. America's Child Care Problem provides the information needed by everyone who is concerned with child care: politicians, policy analysts and advocates, child care providers, business leaders, and parents; and offers specific advice and guidelines for parents to use when selecting care. The book helps parents understand the hidden costs of child care; the pros and cons of child care centers versus care by nannies, relatives, and family-run centers; and danger signals that indicate a low quality of child care. America's Child Care Problem is certain to fuel a needed public debate on the future of our children's lives.

Contents:

Chapter 1 The Problem: What's Wrong with Child Care in America? 1

Chapter 2 The Question: How Could We Make Child Care Affordable to All? 15

Chapter 3 The Design: What Should a New Child Care System Look Like? 33

Chapter 4 The Yardstick: What Child Care Deserves to Be Called "Good"? 55

Chapter 5 The Report Card: How Much of America's Child Care Is Good? 87

Chapter 6 The Regulations: How Much Quality Control in Child Care? 123

Chapter 7 The Marketplace: What Is Peculiar about the Child Care Industry? 159

Chapter 8 The Caregivers: How Could We Improve Their Lot? 187

Chapter 9 The Cost: How Much Would It Take to Provide Affordability and Improved Quality? 209

Appendix A. Policy Recommendations 223

Appendix B. Checklist for Parents Trying to Evaluate Caregivers 229.

Notes:

Includes bibliographical references (pages [231]-255) and index.

ISBN:

031221149X

OCLC:

48613576