In 1986, the Ability Based on Older Dependable Experience (ABODE) Program was developed at De Anza College to train older adults to serve as a temporary source of child care on an emergency basis. The program was sponsored by Tandem Computers, Incorporated, out of a desire to provide better employee benefits with respect to child care. The program was designed to open new employment opportunities to older adults, while alleviating the child care crisis in Santa Clara County. This evaluation of the ABODE Program contains the following: (1) introductory information; (2) a history of the ABODE Program, including an assessment of the needs of older adults, working parents, and the community, as well as a statement of ABODE's long- and short-term goals; (3) an outline of the steps involved in the implementation of the program; (4) information on the recruitment of students through advertising efforts directed at churches and community service organizations; (5) a discussion of the roles played by various child care resource and referral agencies; (6) results of an evaluation of the program by 34 ABODE graduates; (7) a discussion of unmet expectations of the program; (8) recommendations for advertising, holding alumni activities, investigating job opportunities, expanding the role of the advisory board, curriculum development, and improving the referral system; and (9) guidelines for establishing a child care program for older adults. Appendixes contain legislative information; budget information; application, interview, and referral forms; promotional materials; a course outline; and the ABODE evaluation questionnaire. (JMC)