Noting that Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) is expected to become the fifth leading cause of death for children ages 1 to 4, this paper provides relevant information on AIDS and the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) to help educators understand that they can work with children and adults who are HIV positive or who have AIDS. The meanings of the terms HIV and AIDS are discussed, as well as the history of the HIV and AIDS epidemic, with special reference to how the diseases affect children, adolescents, day care centers, and schools. Information is included on how the virus is and is not contracted, and on the fact that HIV positive individuals can be integrated into day care centers and classrooms provided that universal health precautions are taken, precautions that will also prevent the spread of most viral, bacterial, and fungal infections. (MDM)