This paper describes the competency-based early childhood preservice program at Iowa's Mount Mercy College, which is for people working with children from birth through age 8, including children with special needs. Program content encompasses five competency areas: child growth and development; developmentally appropriate learning; health, safety, and nutrition; family and community collaboration; and professionalism. This paper highlights child growth and development, emphasizing two subcategories: (1) understanding individual differences in development and learning including risk factors, developmental variations, and developmental patterns of specific disabilities and special abilities and (2) recognizing that children are best understood in the contexts of family, culture, and society and that cultural and linguistic diversity influence development and learning. The paper gives examples of assignments designed to meet these competencies. The assignments model the full range of competencies to be developed in preservice early childhood teachers. Assignments include: completing home visits; observing and anecdotal record keeping in field placements; student teaching in early childhood placements; applying current research; conducting individual and group assessments; interviewing parents and early childhood teachers; developing Individual Education Plans; developing cultural sensitivity; and demonstrating the ability to make accommodations for children with special needs. (SM)