Contents of this paper focus on various ideas about caring and on the genesis of caring in the human individual. In the first section the concept of caring is analyzed from four perspectives: (1) the conception of caring as being biologically determined, (2) sociocultural and transcendental conceptions of caring, (3) cognitive, affective, and behavioral aspects of caring, and (4) dynamic aspects of the caring relationship. An attempt is made to synthesize commonalities from these frameworks into a more comprehensive definition. Subsequently, research on facilitating the development of caring individuals in the family, in day care centers, and in preschools is examined. Three main questions are addressed: Are there common characteristics, backgrounds, or personality traits of caring individuals? What are some of the conditions which are likely to facilitate caring in the mother/child relationship? and, What are some of the conditions that are likely to facilitate caring in day care centers and preschools? (RH)