Based on the thesis that the absence of adequate child care resources in the United States presents a crisis not only for the child but for the parent, the employer, and society as a whole, this book provides an overview of that crisis in child day care. Part 1 briefly indicates the dimensions of the crisis; discusses the historical antecedents of the crisis, from early industrialization in England to the impacts of the New Federalism in the United States; and focuses on socioeconomic factors bearing on the crisis. Part 2 describes some of the major components of the informal child day care delivery system and gives a few examples of the types of programs in operation, including centers, Mom and Pop programs, corporate child care, work-site programs, military programs, family day care homes, parent cooperatives, and school-age care. Characteristics of child day care services are pointed out. Part 3 focuses on policy and program issues--the economics of child day care, regulations and standards, the delivery system, research, policy boards, and, very briefly, related global issues. Part 4 centers on solutions, such as strengthening existing services, information and referral, expanding services, decreasing the need for services, and, extensively, resource mobilization. Appended is a list of national organizations supportive to child advocacy. (RH)