The most suitable and economical form of care for children under 2 is day care in a foster-family home, although such homes may be used for children of all ages. A successful foster home program depends upon careful selection and supervision by established social agencies. Children of high-school age whose mothers are working also need supervision and direction. Their own activities in the Victory Corps, Junior Red Cross, Boy Scouts. Girl Scouts, Campfire Girls, and similar organizations should be encouraged.
Older children can help in some of the programs for younger children.
Perhaps our needs for care of children of working mothers can be met by using to the full those child-care services that are already established and expanding them to meet war needs. If so, the community will meet its most difficult problem in finding the necessary personnel and the necessary money. It has been proposed that industrial plants employ large numbers of women with children might place the workers on a shift which least interrupts normal family life. England is finding it practical also for two mothers to share one shift, each working half a shift. In Philadelphia, funds were appropriated by the City Council.