This report describes and evaluates 50 facilities and settings for play, child care, and early childhood development. Objectives of the research were to (1) sensitize the U.S. Army to the role of the physical environment in child play, care and development; (2) comparatively document and assess a sample of both military and civilian care facilities and play areas; and (3) identify key design features and physical patterns which facilitate child development. Site visits were made at 35 civilian and 7 military locations. Settings were selected to sample regional and climatic variations, new and renovated facilities, specially designed and self-help projects, different facility sizes and budgets, and award-winning facilities. Research methods included architectural inventories, behavioral observations, and focused interviews. Each case study has two parts: children's play areas and child care facilities. Major case studies include basic architectural and user data, a statement of program philosophy, a facility description, study results and an assessment of the facility. The shorter case studies include only basic data, facility description, and brief assessment. Six interviews with specialists are reported. Diagrams and photographs accompany some of the site descriptions. Conclusions are drawn and recommendations made. (Author/RH)