The care and education of children is a primary task of all societies, and the role of parents, families, and communities is essential in this process. This directory describes the major activities of 218 non-governmental and governmental organizations, based in 38 Latin American and Caribbean countries, involved in early childhood care and education. Pertinent data on these organizations' young child, family, and community programs are included. The directory is intended for professionals working with and for children, to facilitate communication and information-sharing to improve the situation for children. Directory information was compiled through a questionnaire sent to 780 organizations in Latin American and Caribbean states. Two articles in the directory provide an overview of the situation for children and their families, and challenges and opportunities in Latin America and the Caribbean. Tables present an overview of basic social and economic statistics by country, directly concerning the 0-5 year age group. Profiles are arranged alphabetically by country and official organization name and include the following: (1) identification and contact information; (2) aims, type, and countries of action for the organization; (3) cooperation/partnership activities; (4) major activities in the young child, family, and community programs; and (5) the services and information activities offered. Five indices facilitate information retrieval. Included in the annexes are the main provisions of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child. (KB)