This guidebook, one of a series on the subject of military child care centers, outlines five major principles for consideration when selecting, planning, and developing appropriate programs. These principles are understanding military families' needs for child care; deciding, based on the strengths and weaknesses of various existing child care settings, the kind of program the center will offer; supporting child development activities; planning programs that emphasize human development and relations; and planning for the use of community resources. Specific activities and guidelines for implementation for each of the above principles are detailed. (MP)