Good daycare may offset negative home environments

September 16, 2009 A study in child development finds high quality daycare for the youngest poor children may be enough to offset negative home environments and provide them the foundation for good school skills, at least up to the fifth grade.

Scientists also discovered even minimal exposure made a difference.

Higher quality day care was defined as settings that offer above average personal attention: intellectual stimulation and emotional comfort to babies and toddlers. They add that could be as informal as a grandma's house.