Intended for teachers and administrators of early childhood programs, this publication is designed as a guide for developing learning environments for children in prekindergarten through the second grade. The approach advocated is based on research and on teacher experience with the way the young child learns. Contents of the guide include discussions of (1) developmental characteristics of young children; (2) aspects of constructing a learning environment; (3) program planning; (4) art, communication skills, mathematics, motor development, music, social studies, and science activities in an integrated curriculum; and (5) resources for the teacher, including teaching aids, assessment tools, and curriculum and parenting bibliographies. Materials in each section of the guide are arranged in a sequential order to provide for program continuity through the early years of schooling. All basic areas of child development are considered in suggestions for planning the learning environment and interrelated curriculum activities. (Author/RH)