A humanistic approach to the mainstreaming of handicapped children in day care programs is discussed. The importance of (1) delineating the total developmental pattern of the child, (2) the child's perception of himself and others as it relates to the teacher in the teaching process, and (3) curriculum development in terms of six basic needs (physical security, love, creative expression, cognitive mastery, social competency and self-worth) are emphasized. How the basic needs of children are specifically related to handicapped children is pointed out. (Author/RH)