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This paper reflects upon the policy development and implementation of integrated or coordinated services of early childhood education and care (ECEC) within a systemic perspective, focusing on issues of relevance to both developed and developing countries. The paper is divided into four parts: (1) issues related to ECEC's cultural and historical background; (2) the paradigm shift toward integrated or coordinated ECEC systems; (3) practical issues of coordination and integration related to policy and program implementation; and (4) trends, benefits, and concerns regarding the process of integration. The paper illustrates the historical context that creates in most countries a split provision between the welfare and education systems, with child care the responsibility of the family and education provided by the state for children over 3 years of age. The paper maintains that in most countries the current ECEC status reflects a transitional phase calling for a reexamination of the public/private tensions in this policy area and making their way toward a view of ECEC as a shared responsibility. A model is proposed based on a partnership between families and the state as well as a new definition of integration in ECEC highlighting the attitudinal changes regarding the state's role in educating and socializing children. The paper calls for universal ECEC provision integrated under one auspice and built on the premises of quality, continuity, flexibility, diversity, and an inclusive approach. Such provision requires cooperation from ECEC practitioners, an integrated curriculum, qualified staff, a centralized implementation framework, parent involvement, and strong public financing. Ways for avoiding the risks associated with reforming ECEC are explained. (Contains 17 references.) (KB)

There is growing acknowledgement that optimal early childhood development is crucial not only for health, well-being, and competence but also for society at large. This second paper in a series focuses on the period from birth to age 6 and draws on research from Canada and other countries to address several questions of children's development, including the following: (1) What are the known threats to young children's optimal development?; (2) Which types of targeted programs promote the development of vulnerable children and under what circumstances?; and (3) To what extend is the current approach to targeting early childhood programs consistent with what we know about what is required to promote young children's development? The paper discusses research evidence from evaluations of three categories of programs intended to promote development of at-risk children: child-focused programs, parent-focused programs, and two-generation programs. The research evidence examined clearly demonstrates that the most effective way of enhancing the development of at-risk children is through center-based, group programs. The research evidence shows that the development of at-risk children is not promoted by programs that are solely parent-focused or by two-generation programs. Following an executive summary, the paper's chapters are: (1) "Supporting the Development of Canada's Children; (2) "Identification of Vulnerable Children"; (3) "Targeted Child-Focused Programs"; (4) "Targeted Parent-Focused Programs"; (5) "Two-Generation Programs"; (6) "Universal Programs"; and (7) "Policy Implications." (Contains 232 references.) (HTH)

This report analyzes developments in Canadian child care policy in the 1990s at the federal, provincial (Ontario), and municipal (Toronto and Peel) levels, highlighting problems that are associated with a male model of citizenship. The report discusses the child care policy process as one in which state bodies are challenged by the diverse and largely women-driven child care advocacy movement. First, the report outlines some of the major developments of the 1990s that have created increasing hardship for women; foremost among these is the diminished accessibility to child care due to stagnation of or cutbacks in the funding of child care services. Connected to this is the ongoing concern among advocates for not-for-profit child care about a shift of services to the private and unregulated sector, arguably lowering quality. Also at issue are the poor and deteriorating working conditions of mostly female child care providers. These considerations are intended to highlight the importance of linking social class and gender inequality in an analysis of social policy. Second, the report discusses the effectiveness of different strategies of child care advocacy, raising some of the most persistent questions among feminists concerning political citizenship (i.e., whether it is possible to obtain social rights for women through the state, and if so, what the conditions are which make it possible). The report concludes by asserting that most women's and advocacy organizations are dismissed by governments as "special interest groups"; based on their outsider status in official politics, and lacking stable alliances, these organizations are drawn toward political solutions that may prove palatable to governments in the short run but may undermine general claims for child care as a universal rather than a targeted service. (Contains a 114 references.) (EV)

This paper is one of several intended to consider early childhood care and education within the context of Canada's National Children's Agenda. The paper takes the position that a blended, coherent system of early childhood development programs incorporating child care, early childhood education, and family support services should be available in every community. The current array of policies and programs in Canada is examined, and options are considered for developing the proposed system of early child development programs. The paper is organized into five sections: (1) an introduction to early child development programs; (2) the roots of early child development programs in Canada; (3) a description of existing early child development programs; (4) a discussion of dominant public policy directions; and (5) a proposed agenda for creating a system of early child development in Canada. (Contains 53 references.) (EV)

The apparently simple question of whether there are commonly accepted "best practices" for infant and toddler care leads to further questions regarding the nature of childhood and the impact of cultural values. This report reviews recent theory, training, and practice in the care of children outside their homes. Section 1 of the report argues that much of current knowledge about infancy is derived from the normative context established in Anglo-North American child development studies. This section considers these predominant assumptions and their implications for practice. The legacy of attachment theory is analyzed, especially the assumption that out-of-home care is less desirable than care by mothers. This section further argues that the child-centered approach and desirability of structured play reinforces individualism. Section 2 of the report explores European traditions of theory and practice. This section describes five parameters of practice, focusing on ideas about: (1) the nature of relationships between adults and very young children; (2) children as learners; (3) health and well-being; (4) training employment for those who work with young children; and (5) ecology and the environment. The report also illustrates the program content in European settings, the importance of language diversity, the concern with the environment and its impact on programming, and the emphasis on developing values of non-aggression and cooperation by promoting interactions between children. (KB)

This report details an assessment of the economic impact of a major investment of public money in good quality child care for Canadian children 2 to 5 years of age. Chapter 1 provides an extended discussion of the background and techniques of economic analysis used to make judgments about the economic benefits and costs of child care. Chapter 2 reviews evidence concerning the developmental and educational impacts of child care on young children. Chapter 3 presents and analyzes evidence concerning the economic impacts of child care on mothers' participation in the labor force in particular, and on family life in general. Chapter 4 considers the economy-wide employment effects and the macroeconomic effects of potential child care programs. Chapter 5 calculates, using a variety of approximation techniques, the value of the benefits and the costs of a program of high quality child care for all preschoolers. Chapter 6 presents the conclusions, which note that the incremental benefits of the identified changes to child care arrangements in Canada amount to approximately two dollars for every dollar of cost to the public purse. The report argues that society has the responsibility to care for preschool and school-age children, and to provide parental leave from work. Appendices include, "Problems with Studies on Child Development" and "Methodology of Costs and Benefits Calculation." (Contains approximately 200 references.) (KB)

The development and delivery of child care services in Canada has never been without controversy. This case study examines the development of the child care system in Alberta, Canada, showing how the role of the government proceeded through four distinct phases, each determining a different outcome for child care stakeholders. Power mechanisms and covert policy making are described as mitigating against strengthening the child care system in Alberta, including failing to develop a bureaucratic infrastructure, creating tensions in the child care community, limiting resources for policy implementation, and delaying action by studying the issues. The study notes that under the tenets of neo-conservatism, the current fifth phase is redefining the child care paradigm and has resulted in the marginalization of child care. The neo-conservative principles of decreased government spending, privatization, and minimized government intervention have resulted in a radically decentralized approach to social service management that has not worked well for the child care system. Explanations that child care was developed and maintained to buttress the welfare system for needy families or to support increased employment for women are cited to rationalize the dismantling of care because it reinforces the breakdown of normal community self-help programs and constrains mothers from taking responsibility for their children. To the extent that the example of Alberta is a prototype of child care developments elsewhere, the analysis of developments and outcomes can assist in forewarning those who are concerned about the maintenance and development of public child care. (Contains 43 references.) (Author/KB)

This report examines issues related to whether child care services are operated on a non-profit or for-profit basis, focusing on the use of public funds and child care quality in Canada. The report also presents the results of a study of child care quality at 14 non-profit and 36 for-profit child care centers in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. The study found that non-profit centers consistently offered child care that was superior to that offered by for-profit centers. However, the results also indicated that some non-profit centers exhibited poor quality care and some for-profit centers exhibited good care. The study also found that independent for-profit child care centers displayed a wider range of quality, had a higher proportion of staff between age 15 and 20, and were less likely to have clearly articulated procedures than chain for-profit child care centers. Seven appendixes provide a copy of the center survey and tables of analysis of variables (ANOVA) related to auspice, organizational structure, directors, and staff age, tenure, training, and remuneration. (Contains 36 references.) (MDM)

Drawing from existing data and a survey of each provincial or territorial child care office in Canada, this report provides a profile of child care services in each province and territory, and in the country as a whole. Each provincial profile includes information on: (1) relevant legislation; (2) the name and address of the provincial official responsible for child care; (3) types of child care services available; (4) services for children with special needs; (5) aboriginal child care; (6) provincial demographics, including data on mothers in the work force, children identifying with an aboriginal group, and children with disabilities; (7) family-related leave; (8) regulated child care spaces; (9) standards and regulations governing regulated centers and regulated family day care; (10) funding through grants and subsidies; (11) administration; (12) municipal role; (13) child care planning and development; (14) the history of child care in the province; and (15) recent developments. Twenty-one tables provide a national perspective on child care. The paper concludes with a 51-item list of further readings. (AC)

This report provides an overview of child care in rural areas of Ontario. Chapter 1 outlines the paper's purpose, defining "child care" and "rural." It discusses the nature of rural Ontario in the 1990s and the need for child care in rural areas. Also, implications for child care provision in a rural context are highlighted. Chapter 2 reviews child care in Ontario with regard to the roles of different levels of government. Issues of child care availability, affordability, and quality are discussed, along with child care reform initiatives. Chapter 3 looks at rural child care in Ontario in terms of the characteristics of rural communities and characteristics of successful child care programs. Chapters 4 through 6 focus on rural center-based child care, regulated home child care, and the provision of care in the child's own home, including the special challenges and issues related to each setting. Chapter 7 considers resource centers, school-age care, and care for children with special needs. Finally, chapter 8 highlights programs in Alberta, Manitoba, Prince Edward Island, and Quebec that specifically target the needs of rural families. A list of key informants, demographic information, and information on the availability and affordability of child care in Ontario are topics covered in the four Appendices. (Contains a 37-item bibliography and glossary). (AC)

This report describes Canada's current child care policy and service provisions, presents the findings from a survey of work-related child care services in Canada and goes on to analyze work-related child care within the broader context of child care policy. The survey questioned the directors of 176 employer-supported child care centers throughout Canada. Detailed results of this survey are presented, outlining levels of financial support, schedules, fees, auspice, reported problems, benefits, and disadvantages. The survey found that work-related child care is a growing trend, that it receives significant public financial support, that its rates are similar or higher to community-based programs, and that work-related child care is not very flexible to employees' needs. The report concludes that work-related child care is not an answer to Canada's child care situation. It is not a solution from a practical point of view, since it is a discretionary, individual response to a societal issue, not a public policy solution. (MDM)

This paper provides background information and a preliminary discussion of issues to be addressed during a one-day conference on "Future Directions in Work-Related Day Care," sponsored jointly by the Child in the City program and the Social Planning Council of Metropolitan Toronto. After describing the context, needs and historical development of work-related day care in the United States and Canada, the authors outline alternative models through which these kinds of services may be provided, and discuss the special role of organized labor in expanding opportunities for the provision of day care at the work-place. The advantages for both employers and parents, and the central issues involved in organizing work-related day care are summarized. (Author/MP)

Policy and program options for meeting Canadians' atypical child care needs are provided. The discussion is intended to provide persons interested in service delivery and policy development with an overview of current services, policies, program models, and issues. The report places flexible child care services in the context of the general need for child care and the available policy and funding arrangements. Evening, overnight, and weekend child care; child care for ill children; emergency child care; and rural child care are each described and analyzed. Relevant provincial and territorial legislation and regulations are included. Program and policy models are illustrated by descriptions of Canadian programs and policies, as well as those of other countries. Over 50 references are cited. A list of flexible child care programs in Canada and an annotated bibliography of relevant literature are included. (RH)