It's important to recognize that Sweden has gone through major reforms in the past decade. A severe economic downturn in the early '90s ended the rule of the liberal Social Democrats and led to numerous government reforms and deregulation. Social Democrats are back in power at the national level, but a coalition of moderates and conservatives holds sway in Stockholm, the nation's political, business and cultural center. Despite major political and economic upheaval, the government's commitment to children is as strong as ever. It is not free.
Parents pay a fee based on their income.
These ideas are not unheard of at home, of course. The need is well documented. Low wages, lack of training and standards, and high turnover among child-care workers is widespread in the Seattle area. One member of the delegation who paid especially close attention to this issue is Bridgett Chandler, vice president for external relations of Talaris Research Institute. Talaris is a new kind of start-up funded by Bruce and Jolene McCaw.