The purpose of early learning centers and the home as the child's first center for learning are discussed. The center for early learning is a place for creative expression, of close human relationships, a place for fostering health, emotional and social development, as well as intellectual development, but the base of action is the child. Home-centered educational programs are offered as an alternative to the early learning center. The home may offer the child the support the child needs or it may offer neglect and abuse. Variety is essential in learning centers. Intellectual development of the child is closely linked to the controlled introduction of novelty into the child's physical learning centers. The adult is responsible for studying the child and for matching materials for learning with his emerging needs. Inextricable interrelationships exist between physical materials, intellectual development, language, and affect. The restriction of either damages the development of the other. All of these can be provided in the family or the school setting. (DB)