[I] Play a Lot: Children's Perceptions of Child Care

This two-year descriptive study of purposefully selected Minnesota families included interviews with 94 children who either were currently enrolled in or had attended child care programs. Children from 1 to 18 years old recalled playmates, daily activities, schedules, discipline methods, special events, bullies, and characteristics of well-liked and unpopular staff members. Children drew pictures and wrote about activities, child care friends, and child care staff. Children enjoyed playing with friends, responsive and involved staff, and a range of indoor and outdoor activities. Children in all forms of care described widespread viewing of videos and use of video games. Younger children described storytelling, and some, but not all, school-age children had access to literacy activities and materials. This study contributes additional insights to the limited literature on children's perceptions of child care.