Written by pediatricians, this book is designed to bring vital health information to caregivers providing child care in their homes. It provides caregivers with practical answers to common questions about children's health, safety, and well-being. The guide is divided in six sections. The Health section contains a simple practical strategy for staying healthy, advice on how to read the signs of sickness, and what to do when with sick children in the day care setting. The Safety section helps to develop an awareness of the risks in and outside the home and proposes strategies to reduce such risks. The Guidance section offers answers to some common questions about how to nurture babies and children, and suggests ways to make home a place that promotes children's self-control, play, and creativity. The Nutrition section offers a practical guide for feeding babies and children and includes information on food safety. The section on Your Health offers suggestions in support of caregivers' emotional, physical and professional well-being. Finally, the Tools section contains clear charts, records, and tools designed to ease the stress of child care, improve communication with parents, and increase awareness of children's development and well-being. The guide includes a list of provincial and territorial child care offices, family day care associations, and national child care organizations. A suggested reading list with nearly 40 titles, categorized by topic, is also included. (AA)