Tips, recommendations, ideas, and background information are offered to providers of family day care. After a brief discussion of licensing and registration and a listing of learning activities for young children at home, additional learning activities and materials are described that are considered appropriate for infants, toddlers, preschool children, and children in after-school care. Then, places of interest in the community, materials that can be "scrounged", plus human and educational resources are described. Directions for making baby food, recipe ideas for older children, and sample menus are among the topics addressed in a discussion of nutrition. Subsequently, steps caregivers can take to make their homes safe for children, sources of free reference materials for household safety and emergencies, guides for transporting children safely and responding to signs of child abuse and neglect are offered. Other topics discussed include keeping records for tax purposes and insurance coverage, communicating with parents, and cooperation with other providers. In conclusion, resources for providers are listed, including reading materials, organizations and agencies concerned with children, suggested books for children, and resources for music activities. Several forms for record keeping purposes, an income tax form, and a sample letter to parents are appended. (Author/RH)