This guide for employed parents describes types of programs available to school-age children, criteria parents can use in selecting a program that meets their child's needs, and ways to find or develop neighborhood child care programs. Options for young children include day care centers, day care in schools, family day care, and care at home. Discussion of older children's self-care includes advice on preparing children to stay alone at home and emergency back-up services. The process of selecting a child care option is discussed mainly in terms of questions focusing on evaluation of the child and his or her program, the child's ability to stay alone at home, the child's inability to cope with his or her care situation, and whether a child is troubled. Concluding discussion offers advice on what to do if appropriate care is not available. Appended are a bibliography and a resource list, as well as a checklist for school-age programs organized into four categories: the caregiver; the program; the home or center; and the parent's responsibility to the caregiver. (RH)