This handbook is intended as an aid to administrators in setting up a preschool program based on the Responsive Care Model and provides administrators with useful guidelines and resource materials. The Responsive Care Program was designed to facilitate the development of children's social and cognitive repertoires and was first implemented at Syracuse University with preschool children. Assumptions are that optimal learning is likely to occur when (1) a child's basic physical needs are met; (2) the child has continued access to a rich environment which provides possibilities for experiences the child can assimilate; (3) the child is free to determine the nature of his/her involvement; and (4) adults provide symbolic feedback directly and through modeling. Included are sections on physical setting, role of the teacher, staffing the program, parent involvement, training and program cost factors. Appendices include the Child Repertoire Record Assessment forms as well as material, equipment and ideas for implementing the program. (MS)