This document examines many aspects of parenting, child care, and child development and is designed to be used in conjunction with a curriculum guide as part of secondary laboratory-oriented courses. The 12 chapters covering course subject matter are as follows: (1) parenting; (2) prenatal and neonatal development; (3) factors affecting prenatal development; (4) birth and the neonate; (5) postnatal care of the mother; (6) prevention and control of disease; (7) theories and principles of growth and development; (8) effective guidance; (9) societal trends affecting children; (10) child abuse; (11) children's resources; and (12) care and guidance of special children. Each chapter begins with a list of essential elements and objectives and concludes with a summary. There are also vocabulary lists as well as review sections for each chapter. A critical thinking section after each chapter offers suggestions for further activities that would increase understanding of the subjects at hand. The 13th chapter discusses careers for people interested in child development, specifically addressing the following: (1) careers that directly serve children; (2) careers that indirectly serve children; (3) personal characteristics; (4) professional qualifications; (5) management of multiple roles; and (6) effective money management. The document concludes with an index and 23 references. (CML)