Shortages of day-care centers and qualified teachers, an increase in the number of parents requiring child-care services and an increase in the expense of such care are just a few problems with today's day- care system nationwide.

Coupled with the fact that more mothers have entered the work force, adults returning to college and dual-career families, the University must work quickly to implement recommendations about improving child care here.

The University's child-care task force, composed of students and faculty members, submitted a report in June and this month released its findings, titled, "The Children of Penn State: the University's Role in Child Care in the 1990s."

Formed by University President Bryce Jordan in December 1988, the task force originally was scheduled to release its results in June of this year. The group has made 13 recommendations for improving child care for University employees and students. These include:

-- The establishment of new day-care facilities on the main campus and some of the Commonwealth campuses.

-- The creation of an Office of Child Care Services to provide leadership and support.

-- The development of a flexible policy.

-- The provision of financial support for student and employee parents.

-- The training of more child-care professionals.

-- The implementation of parental staffing to cut cost.

-- The revision of parental leave policy.

The age of the traditional family is over. The reality of working mothers and fathers and single parents has replaced the idea of employed fathers and unemployed mothers who stay home to care for the kids.

And at Penn State, like everywhere, students, staff and faculty deserve affordable, accessible and quality care for their children. For a University to educate all people -- not just single, childless young adults -- it must expand its services.