TODAY'S TIPSHEET University of Virginia Nov. 4, 1997 Item: The trial and conviction of a British au pair spotlights the difficulties that working families face in securing quality child care. University of Virginia Experts % Robert Pianta is co-director of a long-term national study examining the social, psychological and academic factors associated with placing children in day care. The study, being carried out at three universities nationwide, follows children from birth to age 7. Approximately 1,300 children are being studied. The study is examining all aspects of placing children in day care, such as separation anxiety, peer relationships, quality of care, and factors influencing school success in kindergarten. For research-backed answers to questions about day care and young children, contact Pianta, an associate professor at the University of Virginia's Curry School of Education, at (804) 924-0792 (his office); (804) 243-5483 (his lab); (804) 979-1980 (his home); or via e-mail at rcp4p@virginia.edu. ###