This publication was prepared as a sourcebook to assist Manitoba kindergarten through fourth grade teachers in providing young children with a rich and stimulating environment which promotes the children's growth and learning. The document provides information about the characteristics and needs of children throughout the period of early childhood, outlines the nature of the learning process during this period, and includes suggestions for programs and materials to meet the needs of young children during their various stages of development. Also included in the document are guidelines for organizing the activities and curriculum of the kindergarten classroom; check lists for observing and evaluating the kindergarten child in the classroom; suggestions for teachers who work with handicapped preschool and kindergarten children; and ways teachers can help parents understand the child's cognitive, physical, and language development. (Author/MP)