New York State's families, especially economically disadvantaged families, have a pressing need for available, accessible, affordable, quality child care. Recommendations to the New York State Legislature for providing such care are grouped according to the following principles: (1) all families should have access to child care services; (2) the state must set standards for child care programs, establish procedures to monitor and enforce those standards, and ensure the involvement of parents in their children's care; (3) the provision of high-quality child care requires special skills and training and a sound knowledge of child development; (4) neither government nor employers can meet the need for child care without cooperation; and (5) the provision of quality child care requires planning and coordination, adequate funding, effective funding methods, and reliable information. Statistical data are presented in four tables and one graph. A glossary and a 100-item bibliography are included. The following materials are appended: (1) a proposed bill before the New York State Legislature to create a child care resources and referral program; (2) a request for proposals for school-aged child care programs; (3) the Head Start immunization schedule; (4) an outline of health care considerations in child care; (5) the nomenclature developed by the National Association for the Education of Young Children; and (6) a chart illustrating New York State Department of Social Services child care programs. (FMW)