This report describing family day care in Denmark is based on discussions with early childhood professionals in Denmark. Regulations for conducting family day care are set out in national guidelines which focus on: (1) supervision of children and providers by a trained child care professional who oversees not more than 50 children; (2) selection of homes; (3) responsibilities of providers; (4) providers' pay and sources of funding for pay; and (5) providers' training. Functional aspects of successful family day care are also described. These include the teaming of providers, supervisor visits, the allowed limit of five children per home, and the political and social context of day care. Implications of the Danish system for the United States are drawn. Sustained efforts to improve family day care in the United States should include increasing registration standards, developing funding, encouraging certification, and supporting supervised systems. (BC)