The growth of family day care is assessed from a personal viewpoint. Observations on trends since the United Nations Declaration of the Rights of the Child and the International Year of the Child are offered. A review of historical, moral, and legal perspectives on children's rights covers views on childhood during the middle ages and into the nineteenth century. The needs of young children in a family day care setting are identified: these include needs for treatment as an individual, enhancement of overall development, and the ability to develop in a flexible and comprehensive manner. Examples from the literature regarding the provider's role, indoor space arrangement, availability of structured activities, adult/child ratio, caregiver characteristics, and characteristics of the profession are cited. Preliminary findings from a 1989 Family Day Care Survey indicate that a high degree of responsiility and professionalism exists among caregivers. Contains 10 references. (LB)