I. OPENING SESSION

II. PANEL DISCUSSION: THE CHALLENGE: AVAILABILITY, AFFORDABILITY, AND ASSURING SAFETY AND QUALITY CHILD CARE

The President and First Lady will moderate this session.

Part 1: Why Does Child Care Matter? This panel will address: the relationship between quality child care and children's healthy development, particularly in the earliest years of life; the importance of good after-school programs for youth; and t he need for child care given dramatic changes in the workforce and economy.

Part 2: How Are We Doing in Meeting the Challenge? This panel will provide an overview of the strengths and weaknesses of child care in communities across the country and will also look at this question from the unique perspectives of parents and child care providers.

III. WHITE HOUSE LUNCHEON AND WORKING SESSIONS AT FEDERAL AGENCIES

During the White House luncheon, Secretaries Shalala, Herman, Riley and Glickman will host working sessions at several agencies.

IV. PANEL DISCUSSION: LEARNING FROM WHAT WORKS

The Vice President and the First Lady will moderate this session. State and local officials, along with representatives of the military, business, health, labor, and faith communities, will highlight promising efforts around the country and discuss how a ll members of the community can address the challenges of assuring safe, affordable child care for working families who need it.

V. SOUTH LAWN RECEPTION