COLONEL MIKE MILLER AND HIS WIFE MELISSA ARE FOUNDERS OF A NON-PROFIT OUTREACH MINISTRY CALLED THE RIVER CITY LOVE SQUAD, INC. This ministry is an outreach for the HOMELESS and NEEDY in the city of Louisville, KY. (www.rclsm.org) Colonels Mike & Melissa have served in ministry together for over 11 years as Youth Pastors, Young Adults Pastors and Evangelism Directors in local churches in Louisville, KY. Colonel Mike Miller received his ordination in 1998 at Good Shepherd Church in Louisville, KY. He is a fulltime Police Officer in Shively, KY and currently in the process of establishing, Family Day Ministries, Inc. Colonels Mike and Melissa Miller reside in Louisville, KY with their two children Sarah and Jacob.

Family day care or childminding plays a significant role in the provision of childcare in many countries, but is facing new challenges. Bringing together theory, research and knowledge from practice, this topical book presents a variety of informative perspectives on this important service. Contributors from ten countries draw on their recent research to examine how family day care has developed in differing economic and social climates. Covering the views of policy makers, childcare providers and parents, the book includes discussion of: * levels of government intervention * training and support for providers, including childminding networks * creating partnership between parents and carers * defining quality and raising standards * the future of family day care. By illuminating different approaches that will inform understanding and can contribute to the formation of effective policies and practice, this book will be a useful resource for policy makers, researchers, childcare service providers, students on childcare courses and others with an interest in child care policy.

Based on the research and experience of Dr. Bellamy, this definitive reference work, months in the making, is one of the most complete and authoritative evaluations of early care and education made available to the public. As welfare reforms put more mothers back to work and off public assistance, the need for quality child care in the new millennium will reach an all-time high. Cities throughout the country are facing the ultimate question: How does the government help families become self-sufficient and productive without jeopardizing quality care and development of the children? This book provides a critical look at welfare reforms and at families who struggle to comply with policy guidelines without compromising the care and development of their young children. Here, in a warm and jargon-free style, a single work offers families all the practical information needed to select the best quality in child care for their young children. Educators and child care officials will find in this work a reservoir of information designed for excellence in early care and education. Policymakers will find this work a priceless source in shaping welfare reforms.