PUBLIC HEALTH, NURSING AND MEDICAL SOCIAL WORK
DAY CARE OF CHILDREN
Editors: MYRON E. WEGMAN, M.D..
FOR a variety of reasons, a child who has a home of his own may spend all or part of the day as a member of a supervised group outside the home. Children are placed in group day care perhaps most commonly because of the mother's need to work and, therefore, to find a safe place for the infant or child—the classical crèche. Other reasons impelling placement for day care may be illness in the home or a father alone in maintaining the household. Finally, there may be placement of a child because a mother wishes the advantages of the group association, educational guidance, or play facilities for her child. The latter situation is more common when mothers know more of growth and development and are eager for the psychologic benefit of a well run nursery school.
Relations with day care situations have become increasingly a part of pediatric practice, although probably not as many mothers as should consult their pediatricians about some of the things to look for in choosing a good day nursery or nursery school. In some instances a pediatrician is on the Board of Directors or is called in as a consultant. Designation of a qualified pediatrician as an adviser is becoming more widespread and pediatricians called in for this type of duty will find informed participation interesting and professionally satisfying.
