How your child can benefit from child daycare.

Working Mother magazine surveyed more than 1,700 readers about their opinion on child care. Three out of every four mothers believed their children were learning more in day care than they would at home. 97 percent of mothers were convinced that their children benefitted from a child care program because it was educational, contributed to personal development and helped build social skills.

Other findings:

• 85 percent said their child is more independent because of child care.
• 80 percent believe children who have had good child care are better prepared for school.
• 75 percent said their children are gaining valuable social skills in child care.

Social Skills . Children in child care learn how to interact with other children and adults. They learn how to share, make friends and understand other people's feelings. More often than not, child care also provides a chance to get to know children of different ethnic, racial and religious backgrounds.

Independence . Children in child care learn how much they can do by themselves with the careful and loving support of a child care provider. They also learn the importance of cooperation in getting things done and in being able to enjoy special activities.