ABSTRACT
Child caring within a group living context brings together two interesting spheres of life: (1) the "primary life" sphere, the interpersonal joint file 01 children and caring adults, and (2) the "secondary life" sphere, the constituent partners as c1ientele and staff in an organizational program. Within the first sphere, the interpersonal interaction is central. The words "It is time" imply that there is or needs to be agreement that "it is time" for both parties concernedand also that it is developmentally appropriate for the children who are called in. Within the second sphere, the issues are intertwined with those of the first, but different; they introduce the caring person's concern for status within an organization and the children's concern for their turf within their group of peers. This paper addresses issues related to child care within group living situations. The child care worker's continuous involvement with the children in care is the conceptual focus, with emphasis upon interpersonal involvement rather than the traditional "problem solving." Figuratively, child care work and group Iiving are analogous to the action of a film rather than a slide show.
