PEDIATRICS Vol. 52 No. 5 November 1973, pp. 746-747
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PEDIATRICIANS' ROLE IN DAY CARE OF CHILDREN

Bruce W. Everist M.D., David Bloom M.D., Donald L. Fink M.D., Frederick C. Green M.D., Gerald Hass M.D., Grace James M.D., Waldo M. Martinez M.D., Albert Pisani M.D., Edgar J. Schoen M.D., Willis Sutliff M.D., and Seymour E. Wheelock M.D.

This statement by the American Academy of Pediatrics on day care services for children points to desirable goals for physicians who are involved in day care programs.

Day care of children refers to the wide variety of arrangements which parents, for various reasons, choose for the care of their children of whatever age. This concept includes such facilities as family day care homes and group care-day care in child development centers, nursery schools, day nurseries, kindergartens, programs planned for hours before and after school and week- days when school is not in session-regardless of name, purpose, or auspices. Good day care provides educational experiences and guidance, health services, and social services as needed by the child and his family. It safeguards children, helps parents to maintain the values of family life, and helps prevent family breakdown.

Pediatricians should understand the implications of day care for children and their families. They should be familiar with quality standards for health and for general day care programs. They should know the potential of day care for promoting health and learning. They should also know the problems of day care and its potential dangers when services are poor in quality. In all cases, the pediatrician is encouraged to assume an active role in day care.

PEDIATRICIANS' CONTRIBUTIONS

Pediatricians can contribute to the experience of children in day care in a number of ways:

1. They may speak up as informed advocates on the quality of day care services in their community.

2. They may comment on day care educational materials, concepts, and programs.