A study of the advantages and disadvantages of various types of infant care provided by someone other than the mother is presented. Problems listed as occurring in intervention programs include: maternal-child attachment, individual differences among infants, planning problems, and emotional-social development. Types of intervention studied are: the center model (outside-the-home center), the tutorial model (within a home setting), the home-visit model, and the parent-group model (teaching of parents). Role of the caregiver is conceptualized as follows: (1) home visitor - a guest having a position of low power in the home, and (2) teacher - one who aids the child in achieving a sense of competence. The point is made that evaluation of caregiving programs for low-income children is difficult and often confounded by complex motivational factors, such as a mother's attitudes toward intervention. The importance of dissemination of infant programs is stressed. (CK)