This book is a complete description of a toddler day care center as it was developed over more than 6 years of operation, and of empirical research into management, teaching techniques, care routines, environmental designs, and materials selection. Part I gives a general description of the center, its goals, and how its organization contributes to reaching these goals. Part II explains the day-to-day workings of the center in detail and includes self-teaching routines for caregivers. Topics covered include talking with and observing children, play, snacks and lunch planning, health and safety matters, the role of parents in the center, and maintenance of the center. Part III describes the quality control system that operates to keep the center running effectively, and covers the review of job performance and of the center operation. Part IV offers help with some business aspects of day care: personnel and finances. Recording forms are provided for each of the topics discussed under each part of the book. Appendices include equipment and supply lists, toys and play activities lists, parent handbook and caregiver personnel policies, a communicable diseases chart and health cards, and a brief bibliography on the topics covered in the book. (Author/SS)