An important first step toward more effectively addressing the complexities of child care as a service for families and as an employment setting for workers in California is to develop a detailed picture of the child care workforce. On this premise, a study examined licensed family child care provider demographics, professional preparation, length of time in the field, and wages and benefits in eight northern California counties to contribute to the identification of more effective ways to recruit and retain a skilled child care workforce throughout the state. Data were collected through interviews with licensed family child care providers and their assistants conducted in Spring and Summer of 2001. This document compiles the resulting eight separate reports on the findings for the counties of Alameda, Kern, Monterey, San Francisco, San Mateo, Santa Cruz, Santa Clara, and San Benito. Each report describes the child care staffing shortage in California, outlines the state requirements for licensed family child care, describes the county context, presents the study methodology, and details findings in the following areas: (1) characteristics of children served and hours of operation; (2) providers' personal characteristics, including gender, ethnicity, educational level, and marital status; (3) career preparation and continuing education, including training in early childhood education and business; (4) career longevity; (5) economic status, including income level, self-sufficiency status, home ownership, retirement savings, and health insurance; and (6) the use of family child care assistants and substitutes. Conclusions relate county findings to those found statewide. Each report contains references. (KB)