The most important element in the quality of substitute child care is that of the

A) caregiver.
B) facilities.
C) program.
D) finances.

The caregiver is the most important element in the quality of substitute child care. A caregiver who is warm, nurturing, and responsive to a child's needs can have a positive impact on the child's development, regardless of the facilities, program, or finances available. Conversely, a caregiver who is cold, neglectful, or abusive can have a negative impact on the child's development, even if the facilities, program, or finances are top-notch.