Consistent in its approach to child development and caregiving concepts, this guide for parents and child caregivers explores aspects of family day care in five sections. Section I discusses the design of physically safe environments for children. Section II describes the developing likes and needs of infants, toddlers, preschool children, and school-age children. Section III specifies practical applications of child development concepts, and Section IV describes play-learning environments for young children. The final Section, V, discusses standards for high quality care in the areas of accident prevention, first aid, illness, health, licensing, and child abuse. Concluding remarks give advice to those thinking about offering family day care services. (RH)