ABSTRACT
Federal involvement in support of the family which receives the least public objection has been in the extension service programs of the United States Department of Agriculture. Federal involvement in child care programs has received considerable opposition, as is indicated by the promptness with which opposing groups organize when child care legislation is under consideration. A critical concomitant to federal programs directed to families, federally funded family research, and family policy considerations is the monitoring of family changes. The federal government inevitably plays a role in establishing and carrying out policies which affect families. The major issues are responsibility, at what age family life education should be taught, and how information on parenthood and family life should be presented. Parents consider a number of factors in making decisions about child care. The most important selection factors are: training for center care, "warm and loving" caregivers, a clean and safe place, and a type of care that the child likes.
