Today, discoveries in psychology and neuroscience back up what I have discovered, that the words "joy" and "purpose" are linked in the most successful examples of living life-throughout childhood and adult life. Having a purpose that provides physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual balance in one's own life naturally results in a desire to contribute to the good of all. And a feeling of joy is often the result. The following pages contain first-hand observation and conclusions that foster understanding of, and support for, optimum development in the first three years of life. This small book is adapted from the first of four sections of the book Montessori for Family and Community.