The experiences of one non-profit day care center are used as illustrative material in this discussion of preschool teaching-learning environments. Chapter 1 introduces the volume with a brief argument stressing the importance of play in the preschool. Chapter 2 describes the problems at a non-profit day care center and presents staff dialogue from some of the initial problem solving sessions after the arrival of a new director. Chapters 3 through 7 discuss specific dimensions of the preschool teaching-learning environment including: (1) responsiveness of the environment, especially on a sensuous/tactile level; (2) degree to which children as opposed to teachers make choices; (3) level of complexity in equipment, materials, and activities; (4) balance of seclusion and intrusion; and (5) proportion of large muscle, high mobility to small muscle, sedentary activities. Chapters 8 and 9 look at thrivers and non-thrivers among preschool children and teachers. (JMB)