Examining Profit and Nonprofit Child Care: An Odyssey of Quality and Auspices

This article explores the relationship between profit and quality in early childhood care and education from historical, research, and policy perspectives. It analyzes why the profit/nonprofit debate is endemic to our current system and why it is so salient for current policy. Drawing primarily upon four studies that have compared quality in profit and nonprofit early care and education settings, and upon selected other studies, the analysis offers suggestions for future research and policy initiatives to improve the nation's child care system.