This new resource guide is the compiled works of the late Anita Rui Olds. Anita held a doctorate in Human Development and Social Psychology from Harvard University and was the founder and director of The Child Care Institute, an annual training program for designers and child-care profesionals. Her firm, Anita Olds & Associates, amassed over 30 years of experience in the design of children's environments. In addition, Anita was on the advisory council of the ECO Institute.

The book contains the principles of interior and exterior layout and design for child care centers, beginning with an explanation of the important facets of a child environment. Fully developed ideas and solutions for effective design processes, intelligent overall center design, and efficient layout of dedicated, as well as over 550 floor plans, drawings, photographs, charts, and illustrations.