LETTERS: GOOD CHILD CARE CAN CONTRIBUT POSITIVE FACTORS

To the editor:

The news of a federal study's finding that spending more than 30 hours a week in child care contributes to aggressive behavior in young children has compelled me to offer additional comments on the issue of child care in our society. Children's behavior is determined by a number of factors, of which participation in child care is only a small part. Temperament, nuclear and extended family influence and attachment to caregivers also have a lasting impact on behavior.

No one, least of all those of us who work in or support the field of early care and education, would discount the belief that the family is the most important component in a child's environment. Yet we must also accept that child care is and always will be a necessary part of our society. Whether by choice or necessity, families need child care. Studies have shown that dependable, quality child care can be a natural extension of the family. Quality child care and preschool environments can also positively impact school performance and social development for at-risk children.

Let's not throw the baby out with the bath water in our criticism of child care. We must provide support to strengthen and empower the family unit. We must also do what we can to improve the quality of early care and education by increasing the training and educational levels of the child-care work force and ensuring them a living wage.

CHARLA MYERS

Program Director

Child Care Resource

and Referral

Southeast Missouri State

University

Cape Girardeau