This manual for parents and child care personnel in day care homes and centers (1) gives an outline of dimensions of normal physical, mental, language and social/emotional development in children from birth to five years of age, (2) indicates what children need from adults in order to develop normally, and (3) identifies problems and suggests ways to handle them. The manual is divided into three sections. Section I considers the first 18 months of life in three 6-month periods in order to give detailed attention to this period of rapid development. Special attention is given to the infant behaviors as they occur for the first time. The role of the caregiver in making accurate and detailed records of the conditions under which specific symptoms occur is stressed. Section II covers the period from 18 months to three years of age. Emotional needs of the child and their implications for social development are emphasized. Section III considers development from the third to the fifth year. The greater range and level of activity of 3- to 5-year-olds are explored. (Three slide/sound presentations and pamphlets were produced in conjunction with this manual.) (RH)