In the Arms of the Providers

Norma Johnson is hopeful about the newest child-care center she's chosen for her children, 3-year Katrina and 1-year old Michael.

But that sense of relief has only come after a series of disappointing experiences with other child-care arrangements--high staff turnover, a lack of professionalism, and little stimulation for her children.

"I got tired of asking how my child's day was and being told, 'I don't know,'" says Johnson, a pharmacist who lives in Hilliard, Ohio, a fast-growing suburb of Columbus. "All I want is to leave my kids feeling like they are with someone who would take care of...