An Assessment of Extra-Family Child Care and Early Education Needs in Monroe County, Indiana.

This report is primarily an assessment of needs for extra-family child care and early education in Monroe County, Indiana (as of April 1974). First, child care and early education are discussed in their historical contexts from a social-systems point of view. After these general considerations, the scope of the needs of young children in Monroe County is analyzed, using the 1970 census, with consideration for both users and providers. Several previously conducted needs assessment surveys of specific user groups are summarized (RCA and Bloomington Hospital employers, personnel directors in local industry, and Head Start families). The procedures for data collection used in the present survey are described, the major effort being directed towards administration of questionnaires to both directors and parents of children in full- and part-day centers and kindergarten. Results of the survey are given and alternative strategies for dealing with the issues raised by the survey are suggested. Appendices include the questionnaires used and a complete statement of the child care needs reported on the questionnaires. (ED)