Because of the expanding need for child care for preschool children, and for older children in after-school hours, there is greater interest in programs for day care, and increasing acceptance of the concept of publicly-financed day care. This paper describes the market for day care, the federal programs which exist and the standards which have been established for federally-aided day care. The issues involved in the expansion of day care programs in the United States are discussed, and various proposals made to expand these services through federal legislation are pointed out. An attachment summarizes legislative proposals on day care and preschool education which have been made since 1961. (Author/NH)