The Practical Guide to Quality Child Care is a uniquely comprehensive manual for administrators who manage childcare facilities. This clear and easy-to-read handbook provides specific guidelines for virtually every aspect of early childhood administration. The sample criteria, procedures for program development, schedules and applications and evaluation forms are invaluable tools for every childcare facility manager.

Chapter 1. Qualities and characteristics of an effective Director.Profile of a child care director -- Characteristics of an effective director -- Determining your strengths and opportunities for growth -- Suggestions for growth -- Recommeding reading -- Internet Resources -- Chapter 2. Management techniques. Decision making -- Steps in decision making -- Decision-making process in child care -- Solving problems -- Time management -- Organizational help -- Record keeping -- Interruptions -- Delegation -- Telephone techniques -- Meetings -- Stress in the child care profession -- Recommended reading -- Internet resources -- Center 3. Financial management. Steps in budget development -- Annual budget format -- Maintaining income -- The importance of financial records -- Recommended reading -- Internet resources -- Chapter 4. Public relations. Working with families -- Family-teacher conferences -- Family education -- Family involvement -- Working with the community -- Development of publications -- Brochures -- Newsletters -- Recommended reading -- Resources -- Software management packages -- Internet resources -- Chapter 5. Personnel policies and procedures. Policies on staff selection -- Interviewing and selecting staff -- Steps in interviewing -- Orientation/training procedures -- Probationary procedures -- In-service training -- Staff evaluation -- Substitute staff -- Recommended reading -- Chapter 6. Building on the research. Medical research support for child care practices -- Key findings and implications of the research -- Recommended reading -- Internet resources -- Appendixes. Sample newsletters -- Sample letters to families -- Employment packets -- Job descriptions of support staff -- Faculty manual -- Resources.