ABSTRACT
The realities of urban poverty can interfere seriously with the ability to provide optimal care for young children. Institutionalized early child care may seem an anomaly in cultures which have traditionally turned to extended family for such support. Municipal support is critical in the city-wide development of comprehensive child care facilities. By providing training, technical back-up and material assistance, local authorities can ensure a high quality of child care, provide employment opportunities for women, and create an entry point for other services. The ratio of staff to children should depend on the age and needs of the children, but also on the experience and capacity of the caregiver. Even with a small number of children, it is important that a caregiver have some back-up, even if it is a less experienced helper. Caregivers should be sensitive to children's hunger for exploration, variety, unstructured play and free choice, and to the developmental benefits of making these possible.
