The Office of Research in the Department of Social and Health Services undertook a study of 1,300 children and adolescents in private child care agencies throughout the State of Washington. The purpose of the study was to obtain descriptive data to be used in a classification system (1) to identify more precisely the characteristics and needs of the population served, (2) to develop program requirements based on empirical criteria, (3) to determine staffing patterns necessary to conduct such programs, and (4) to develop a system of payments to agencies based on client characteristics and the corresponding program and staff requirements.
