Between November 1990 and August 1992, a study examined wages and working conditions of child care staff in both licensed group centers and family day care homes in Canada. Three instruments were developed for the study, a short telephone interview for center directors, a follow-up director's questionnaire, and a staff questionnaire. The study gathered data on staff demographic characteristics, wages, educational background, child care experience, benefits and working conditions, occupational mobility, professional orientation, recommendations for the child care field, job satisfaction, turnover rates, and reasons for leaving the field; and data on staff replacement, center demographics, and issues of hourly wages. Simple random sampling was used to select most provincial samples, and responses were received from 52% of the 969 centers sampled. Study findings included the following: (1) child care staff entered the field because of their care and concern for children; (2) child care is a predominantly female occupation, and the wages paid average $9.60 per hour; (3) almost 70% of staff working in early childhood education have a postsecondary certificate, diploma, or degree; and (4) governance of the center, whether municipal, non-profit, or commercial, influences wages, working conditions, and satisfaction. A summary of responses by province is included. (AC)