Discussed are ways to meet the needs of the individual preschool child within the child care center. Ways in which each child is unique are given to include type of personality rate of development, attitude toward the world, and coping method. Discussed are causes of individual differences including heredity and environment, prenatal and postnatal experiences, nutrition, illness, family relationships, economic status, and type of home environment. Teachers are encouraged to start noticing individual differences the first day the child comes to the center. Also considered are individual differences in needs of children such as the child who fears separation from his mother, the child who enjoys every center activity, or the child who views the center as an arena of competition. Development of a positive self image is seen to be an important function of the child care center. Groups of children are also seen to differ, and it is recommended that each child be encouraged to contribute to the group. (DB)