This book is designed as a guide for implementing quality child care environments at preschool and school-age levels for children ages 1 through 10. Evolving from a child-centered philosophy, the book contains six integrated and interdependent sections that respectively, provide an overview of child care and discuss child care center design, leadership and staff, child development, child-centered curriculum, and child-centered environment. Part 1 offers historical and contemporary perspectives on child care as well as a look at the challenges for child care in the future. Part 2 discusses the details involved in planning and opening a day care facility, including legal and operational considerations. Part 3 covers governance and administrative aspects of the child care center and offers advice on staffing. Part 4 discusses child development theories and practices, and offers a profile of the child and childhood needs and their relationship to day care. Part 5 examines each of the four components of the "PLAN" curriculum: play, learning, the arts, and nurturing. The final part of the book offers guidelines on planning and using the indoor and outdoor spaces of the child care environment. Three appendices include: (1) legal operational materials; (2) staff materials; and (3) health, medical, nutrition, and safety guidelines. References and additional resources are included with each chapter. (TJQ)