Innovations in Toddler Day Care and Family Support Services: An International Overview

This article focuses on policy and program innovations in toddler day care and family support services in Europe, where child day care for children age three to compulsory school age is largely universal. Infant day care is increasingly provided at home by the child's own employed parent, on a paid and job-protected leave. Public debate is now centering on toddler day care—that is, care for one- and two-year-old children. Recognition is growing that these very young children also need a group experience, regardless of their parents' employment status. Implications for child day care policy, program development, and practice are presented.