Addressed especially to community pediatricians, but also useful to other health workers, this manual discusses aspects of day care that require a physician's attention. Chapter I historically traces the positive effect of a nurturing environment upon the development of the infant and child, covering the period from the early 1900s to the present. Chapter II sets forth precise suggestions for program components advancing child health. Chapter III depicts the role of the pediatrician in advocating day care adapted to serve children with special needs effectively, and discusses several settings in which children with different disabilities can be accommodated. Chapter IV addresses the issue of child abuse. Chapter V describes measures that retard the spread of contagious diseases in day care facilities and makes suggestions for the prevention of infection. Chapter VI reviews factors that increase the risk of injury to children in the day care setting. Rules are provided for the maintenance of a safe environment and advice is given for handling injuries that do occur. Chapters VII, VIII, and IX supply information intended to increase health professionals' ability to serve effectively as consultants. Many related materials are appended, such as sample letters, forms, and several checklists, but also including guidelines, recommendations, resource lists, glossaries, brief discussions, and a national directory of state offices providing advice on safety. (RH)