This report describes the goals and concepts underlying the Day Care Youth Helper Program (DCYHP) and the history of demonstration projects through 1975. DCYHP was designed to provide young people of high school and junior high school age with the chance to work with preschool children through field experience in day care centers, coupled with a seminar for the planning of early childhood learning activities and the introduction of child development concepts. It was felt that the students participating in this program would gain a number of benefits essential to the growing process largely withheld from the majority of adolescents in their normal school experience. These benefits include participation in the world of work, the exercise of responsibility, exposure to the knowledge and skills required to become parents, the personal rewards of the helping relationship, and a chance to grow in self-esteem and confidence through meaningful activity. The materials developed for use in the program are discussed and their texts included in appendices. Finally, the report includes a synopsis of evaluative material, summing up the ways in which the program met its original goals for adolescents. Chapters include information on establishing demonstration sites, the program director, materials, field experience, the seminar, and evaluation. (MS)