Directors, teachers, parents, and mental health professionals in child care centers were interviewed about aggressive behavior of preverbal children to determine the caregivers' level of understanding about children's emotional development. The definition of aggressive behavior included hitting, biting, pushing, scratching, pinching, grabbing, tantrums, whining or screaming, pulling hair, walking on another child, and running into people. Hitting, biting, and pushing were the mostly commonly observed problems. Ways that aggressive behaviors were handled by the centers were analyzed in terms of intervention techniques, center rules and procedures, and parent roles. The various approaches illustrated helplessness toward and misunderstanding of children's emotions. It was concluded that caregivers need more knowledge of children's emotional development. Commentary is offered about the intervention strategies employed, and examples are given to show the extent of parent anger, guilt, and stress over handling aggressive children. An eight-point plan is suggested for centers to use when confronted with aggressive behavior. The plan includes adapting the curriculum, recognizing the value of calm adult reactions, taking care of both victims and aggressors, keeping logs of behavioral problems, and establishing a cooperative relationship between the center and the parent. Contains 17 references. (LB)