This handbook describes family day care with the aim of helping interested persons determine whether or not the occupation of child care provider is appropriate for them. Part 1 focuses on factors to consider in deciding to start a family day care business and cites problems experienced by practicing caregivers. Part 2 deals with relations between parents and the caregiver and describes procedures for enrolling new families. Part 3 points out the business aspects of family day care, including fees, hours, trial periods, food, infant supplies, emergencies, illness, vacations and holidays, substitute caregivers, naps and rest, discipline, spare clothes, the caregiver's program, contracts with parents, the licensing/registration process, zoning, taxes, budgets, insurance, record keeping, and locating clients. Part 4 provides guidelines for setting up a program at home, planning and scheduling, activities, and the emotional climate in the home. Part 5 focuses on professional aspects of child caregiving, such as training, professional development, and affiliation with professional organizations. Bibliographic material provides lists of resources about family day care, child care in general, program ideas, and child development. Also listed are journals and newsletters, audiovisual materials, and book distributors. (RH)