Presented is a competency based curriculum for the preparation of teachers of very young (0-6 years old) handicapped children which includes knowledge and application competencies in the areas of child growth and development, caregiving approaches, caregiving curriculum and physical environment, and self development and human relations. Competencies in child growth and development are listed for the following areas: theoretical, research, and applied bases of child growth and development; disabilities; family development; and health care and safety. Listed are competencies in caregiving approaches in terms of problem solving and models of early childhood education. Also included are competencies in curriculum and the physical environment; and competencies in self development and human relations which include basic communication skills, the learning environment, and personal and professional growth. A list of suggested readings follows each group of competencies. Also provided are a list of 83 possible field experiences (such as administering tests and observing a child in his home) and a glossary of approximately 60 terms (such as "caregiving" and "competence"). (DB)