Intended for use with children between the developmental ages of 3 and 6 years, this guide for early childhood education was developed by a team of teachers and administrators in cooperation with the Pennsylvania Department of Education. After a chapter providing background information about early childhood education, discussions focus on the environment, the child, the teacher, and the program. The environment is discussed in terms of the home and classroom, the home-school relationship, and community resources. The child is discussed in terms of physical, emotional, social, and intellectual development characteristic of 3- to 6-year-olds. Teachers are discused in terms of self-awareness, teaching techniques, organization, resources, and career development. The program is discussed in terms of planning and organization, methodology, content, objectives, and curriculum. Related materials, such as sample activities calendar, newsletter, and half-day and full-day schedules, are appended. Educational settings in which this guide may be used include day care, preschool, prekindergarten, kindergarten, and transitional first grade settings. (RH)