Family Day Care Mothers: What 'They' Want in Training Programs.

A report based on information gathered by interviewing ten family day care mothers is presented. The following categories represent the problem and need areas discussed by the day care mothers who were interviewed: Activities, Problems with Natural Parents, Relating to the Children, and Financial Problems. The mothers were asked to discuss any problems they have encountered connected with their caretaker functions; remedies, if any, to these problems; and suggestions of topics that should be included in a training program for family day care mothers. Six of the ten day care mothers felt that the most important topic to be covered in a training program would be appropriate activities for various aged children. Also, most felt that it would be important to include in a training program ways of relating with the natural parents. Most felt that it would be extremely useful for child development professionals to discuss child-related topics in a training program. Finally, most of the mothers felt the need for information on filling out income tax forms. It is pointed out that family day care mothers can and should serve as integral parts in the planning and execution of training programs. (CK)