Several intermediate performance objectives and corresponding criterion measures are presented for each of five terminal objectives for a 12- to 18-week course designed to provide students in grades eight or nine with opportunities for exploring a broad range of child care, guidance, and service occupations. Major concepts include characteristics of children of different ages; methods of communicating with children; awareness of the operation of child care enterprises on a variety of situations; planning and providing services to children, including those with special needs; selecting and using equipment, materials, and activities in relation to the developmental tasks of children; and child-related agencies and legislation. Instruction includes observation and hands-on laboratory experiences which are basic to specialized proficiencies needed for employment. Concepts of management, consumer education, and safety are included as they relate to instruction. (This manual and 54 others were developed for various secondary level vocational courses using the System Approach for Education (SAFE) guidelines.) (HD)