This book turns important research and theory into essential, easy-to-follow guidelines for new parents and child care providers to help them focus on the critical first 3 years of life to build a strong foundation for the future. All the key areas of child development are covered, including self-esteem, and cognitive, motor and social development. Also included in information on health issues and the importance of play. The chapters of the book are as follows: (1) "Building Your Child's Self-Esteem"; (2) "Parent-Child Interaction"; (3) "Areas of Child Development"; (4) "Facilitating Development through Activities"; (5) "Activities for Cognitive Development"; (6) "Activities for Motor Development"; (7) "Activities for Social Development"; (8) "Activities for Language Development"; (9) "All about Play"; (10) "The Three Parts of Health" (nutrition, exercise, sleep); (11) "The Parent-Teacher Relationship"; and (12) "The New Brain Research." The book's appendices include the Food Guide Pyramid, parenting tips, recommended Web sites, games for each of the domains of development, and activities for both outdoors and indoors. (Contains a 35-item bibliography.) (HTH)