11
Chapter 1
Quality Child Care:
Today’s Growing
Need
After studying this chapter, you will be able to
explain the trends in society that have led to a growing need for child care services.
describe the reasons quality child care is important.
list the major characteristics of a quality child care program.
describe the role of the administrator of a child care program.
identify factors that influence entrepreneurial decisions in child care.
Throughout history, families have sometimes needed help and support in caring
for their children. Fortunate families were able to count on nearby relatives, neigh-
bors, friends, and older siblings. Many children grew up and stayed in the same com-
munity where their parents had lived their whole lives. Children played in safe
neighborhoods. They knew trusted adults were keeping an eye on them, 1-1.
As times have changed, families have also changed. Families now relocate more
frequently. More mothers with young children are working to make ends meet. More
families are headed by a single parent. Traditional support systems are not always
available. New dangers threaten the safety of young children. The pressures of
modern life make successful parenting more difficult than in the past.
Why Is There a Growing Need for Child Care?
Societal changes have brought an increased need for child care services.
Unfortunately, the supply has not kept up with the demand. For many families, child
care is simply not available. There is a shortage of trained individuals to staff child
care programs. Several factors have contributed to the increased need for child care.
These include
• the growth of single-parent families
• a shortage of skilled workers
• changing opportunities for women
• family economic need for two incomes