Page Two

Each weekday morning, millions of diapered infants and yawning toddlers are dropped off at day-care centers. For many youngsters, the transition from home to day care goes smoothly.

Those used to the routine respond affectionately​—or impassively. Newer children may cry and cling to their mothers. A few reassuring words from Mom, though, usually stop the tears. If not, a day-care worker takes over the comforting because, tears or no tears, the women must get to work. And for the next ten hours, the day-care center must substitute for Mom . . .