Noting the profound demographic changes affecting the nature of how young children are raised and socialized in the United States, this book discusses how child care must be redefined in order to support the development of a next generation with the skills and capacities to thrive in an increasingly multicultural world, based on interviews with child caregivers in child care centers and family child care homes, and interviews with trainers and resource and referral agency personnel. Chapter 1 of the book discusses how parents, providers, and trainers perceive the role of child care in a diverse society. Taking into account these perspectives, a set of common "Principles of Quality Care in a Diverse Society" is presented. Details on each of these principles is provided in chapters 2-6, including a discussion of importance, and strategies and challenges for implementation. These principles for action are: (1) combat racism and foster positive racial identity in young children; (2) build upon the cultures of families and promote respect and cross-cultural understanding among children; (3) preserve children's family languages and encourage all children to learn a second language; (4) work in partnership with parents to respond to issues of race, language and culture; and (5) engage in dialogue and reflection about race, language and culture on an ongoing basis. Chapters 7 and 8 call for support of an early childhood workforce which reflects the racial backgrounds of children and families participating, and for continuation of the ongoing research in this field. The book's appendices include a profile of the child care centers, family child care homes, trainers, and resource and referral agencies interviewed. (Contains 62 references.) (AA)