American Federation of Teachers President Albert Shanker, in testimony presented to a joint meeting of congressional subcommittees, tells why early childhood education programs should be sponsored by public education agencies rather than private day care centers. Main supporting reasons are: schools are available throughout the country; school systems have become adept at administering large, complicated federal programs; public schools are better equipped to contribute to the intellectual development of young children; utilization of existing schools is more efficient; schools can better coordinate services; use of educational agency licensing mechanisms will upgrade early childhood education staffs; public control promotes accountability; there is presently a lack of high program quality and adherence to licensing standards; and overlapping jurisdiction complicates assessment and evaluation. Data in two tables and two charts support the arguments. (Author/RH)