Includes bibliographical references and index. Overview of the current policy context / Sheila B. Kamerman and Shirley Gatenio -- Defining program quality / Debby Cryer -- Access to programs / Edna Runnels Ranck -- Regulatory policy ; Staff roles, education, and compensation / Gwen G. Morgan -- Program content and implementation / Lilian G. Katz -- Family engagement and support / Barbara T. Bowman -- Funding issues for early childhood education and care programs / W. Steven Barnett and Leonard N. Masse -- Evaluation and research / Kristin Moore and Jerry West -- Innovations in early childhood education and care / Victoria R. Fu -- Challenges for early childhood education and care policy / Richard M. Clifford, Moncrieff Cochran, and Sharon Lynn Kagan.