Between 1978 and 1986, employer-supported child-care programs around the nation increased to well over 3,000 from 100, according to a survey by the Conference Board.

Some community organizations also offer pre-K classes as part of a full-day child-care program.

Factories, neighborhood committees, collectives and schools may set up their own child-care programs, from half-day centers to sleepaway nurseries.

The bill would channel money to the states, which would devise their own child-care programs, within certain Federal guidelines.

The provincial governments of Manitoba and Saskatchewan both sign a deal with Ottawa to further the development of a national child-care program.

One of the new highlights is a national child-care program like the one currently used in Quebec.

The Liberal Party proposes a much more sweeping child-care program, and it has said its lawmakers will vote against the budget.

After the election of Stephen Harper's government in the 2006 federal election, he took part in an unsuccessful effort to preserve Canada's national child-care program.

France, among other European countries, has elaborate, heavily subsidized child-care programs that serve millions of families and often work on a sliding scale, with wealthier parents paying more.

There is also an organized child-care program.