Includes bibliographical references (p. [231]-255) and index.

ch. 1. The problem : what's wrong with child care in America -- ch. 2. The question : how could we make child care affordable to all -- ch. 3. The design : what should a new child care system look like -- ch. 4. The yardstick : what child care deserves to be called "good" -- ch. 5. The report card : how much of America's child care is good -- ch. 6. The regulations : how much quality control in child care -- ch. 7. The marketplace : what is peculiar about the child care industry -- ch. 8. The caregivers : how could we improve their lot -- ch. 9. The cost : how much would it take to provide affordability and improved quality.