The Daycare Myth: What We Get Wrong About Early Care and Education (and What We Should Do About It)

Thank you, Dan. What a terrific book. "The Day Care Myth" by Dr. Wuori is an insightful, carefully researched examination that challenges preconceived notions about child development in early education and care settings. Dr. Wuori's presentation is both comprehensive and accessible. This book is a must-read for everyone within the early learning ecosystem—parents, educators, policymakers, and advocates alike. I would hope that it also makes its way into higher education classrooms.Dr. Wuori offers critical guidance rooted in evidence and compassion, shining a spotlight on the importance of creating environments where every child can thrive. What sets this book apart is its balanced approach: it neither vilifies day care nor offers blanket endorsements but instead dives deeply into the nuanced factors that influence a child’s well-being and long-term success.The book is a call to action for all of us—whether we work directly with children, make decisions that shape early childhood systems, or support families. Dr. Wuori emphasizes the profound impact of relationships, trust, and high-quality interactions, reminding us of the shared responsibility we have in nurturing children’s potential.The clarity of the writing and the actionable insights make The Day Care Myth a resource that transcends academic discourse. It invites dialogue, reflection, and most importantly, progress. For anyone committed to ensuring the well-being of every young child, this book is nothing short of indispensable.Prepare to be inspired, challenged, and motivated to reimagine what’s possible in early learning and care.

This book is a must read for anyone who cares about the future of our country.Early Childhood Development expert Dan Wuori cleverly weaves together the history of child care, the science of early childhood development, the challenges faced by working parents, and the struggles of child care providers. He pulls all of this together to make a compelling argument for an overhaul of public policy regarding child care and making a significant public investment in early childhood education.Citing the work of Nobel Laureate Economist James Heckman, Wuori argues that we’re already paying for our early care and education non-system in remedial education, low high school graduation rates, high unemployment rates, an underperforming economy, and long-term health problems (yes – adults who were in good child care environments as infants and preschoolers suffer fewer health problems than their peers).

The Daycare Myth is the best argument I've read that early childhood education is a public good worthy of a transformative public investment. If you've ever wondered why so many people talk about "child care" or support for working parents, then you need to read this book. You'll also understand why every child development expert cringes at the concept of child care as a work support. Dan provides a compelling answer to every "why" as he explains past decisions and a path forward. Highly recommend.

Dan nails it. So much discussion about how to “fix” early childhood out there and Dan simplifies this very complex conversation. I so appreciate the plain talk - backed by research - and love that he keeps parents at the center of the discussion. At the end of the day, The Daycare Myth illustrates how we can work together and support our nation’s most precious commodity. Our children. Think we have the guts to do it? I hope so!

I have purchased 10+ copies of this book within the past two weeks because I keep giving my copy away. There isn’t a person in America that doesn’t need to understand the concepts that lie within these pages. EVERYONE is a stakeholder in Early Care and Education (ECE) - even if you don’t have or never plan to have children - and the sector is in crisis. Written in plain language with clear suggestions for parents, educators, and policymakers, Dan Wuori outlines the “Three Simple Truths” through which we need to make our decisions regarding the future of our society.We are using this book to host an open community conversation to engage community based organizations, business owners, ECE professionals, and local government to find common language and common goals for our community. This book should resonate with every ECE professional, but also give them the words to accurately advocate for themselves and their sector to ensure success in child development.

Dan Wuori has centered the early childhood conversation around quality AND care - both essential elements to all child care solutions. As we gather in communities to do better by our children, families and educators, this book will help everyone feel included and empowered to make change that feels right to us all, no matter our context. And -It's a great read! - Kathy Pomer, President and CEO GatherRound Consulting

In concise and easy to understand language, Dan Wuori explains why we need major investments in early childhood education in order to form a more perfect union. He explains the benefits and cost savings of early childhood education. This books is a must read for parents, aunts, uncles, grandparents, and friends of children. Also a must read for politicians and policymakers.

The Daycare Myth is a a logical, evidence based and solution oriented journey through the understanding of what is truly best as we consider care for our youngest and most vulnerable. Whether you are a parent, teacher, or policy maker, Dan Wuori has put forth a what, why, and how to, in a fact filled, bipartisan fashion that can become the framework for addressing a multitude of issues tied to the caring and educating of our children; many of which you probably never considered! This should be required reading for all those who impact the lives and education of children. They need us to do better!