Family-Centered Child Care includes fathers and other male family members. The relationship of children to their fathers and other male figures is of vital importance and growing concern. At the same time, evidence is emerging of both fathers' increasing participation in their children's care and the growing sense of exclusion felt by some fathers. Family Support Families are dynamic, and engaged in a process of development. Throughout this process, they may need resources and support.
Child care is an essential family support.
As we consider efforts to reform systems of family support, we recognize that child care is critical for stable employment and is a catalyst for children's healthy development, a touchstone for parent growth, and a potential hub for an array of family programs. In today's world, the terms parent and family must become more than code words for mother . As mothers enter the workforce in greater numbers, the traditional role of fathers and other male figures has greatly expanded. Fathers, as well as mothers, are the nurturers and caregivers of their children, and play a critical role in their development. This has real implications for child care programs, as language, expectations, and overall program climate are re-evaluated in terms of their inclusion of men as full partners.