This report first outlines the status of early childhood care and education in Minnesota, including the effects of an inadequate child care system on families and society. Issues of quality, cost, and availability of care are then addressed and are the basis of the recommendations for a coordinated child care system. Recommendation 1 (Affordability) calls for, among other things, a sliding fee program and continued legislative commitment to child care. Recommendation 2 (Quality and Availability) proposes increased funding (an additional $7 million in 1992-93), a scholarship program, a tax credit, and child care subsidy formula. Recommendation 3 (Coordination) calls for a state level Early Childhood Care and Education Council to coordinate services, and for regional coordination to be carried out through existing resource and referral agencies. Appended is information on: current child care funding; early childhood care and education administrated by state agencies; definitions; sources; and task force members and participants. Contains approximately 55 references. (LB)