This text is Volume I of a comprehensive, self-instructional training program designed to address the training needs of child care programs serving children under 3 years of age. The two volumes are divided into modules that correspond to the 13 functional areas of the Child Development Associate competency standards. The modules may be completed in any order. Each module contains an overview of the topic addressed in the module; a pretraining assessment of the learner's skills pertaining to the functional area; four to seven learning activities; a form for noting the skills the learner has acquired while studying the module; and a knowledge and competency assessment to be made by the learner's trainer. Modules 1-6 in volume I address topics of: (1) promoting children's safety, and teaching children about safety; (2) promoting children's health and nutrition, and recognizing child abuse; (3) creating and using a learning environment; (4) encouraging children's physical development; (5) encouraging children's cognitive development; and (6) promoting the development of children's communication skills. The orientation section of volume I contains an annotated bibliography of 34 items, some of which are listed under specific topics. (BC)