America's Child Care Problem: The Way Out

The revolution in women's lives has created an unprecedented demand for non-parental child care, and sparked a growing child care industry run by both public and 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 policymakers, parents, and providers alike, Suzanne W. Helburn and Barbara R. Bergmann provide the first 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 sources for change–including stronger regulatory procedures on providers and suppliers of care–and more government subsidies. America's Child Care Problem examines the views of key players in all facets of the child care industry: CEOs, politicians, policy advocates, foundation directors, child care providers, 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.

Barbara R. Bergmann has published several books on welfare, child care, and social policy, including Is Social Security Broke?: A Cartoon Guide to the Issues, and In Defense of Affirmative Action. She is Professor Emerita of Economics at American University and the University of Maryland.

Suzanne W. Helburn is Professor of Economics Emerita at the University of Colorado at Denver. She has published widely on the cost and quality of child care.