Microcomputer software for use in managing child care centers is described in this shopping guide. Software for working with words, numbers, records, and money is recommended along with four utility programs that can be of value to a child care director. (BB)

Discusses nine key findings of the "Cost, Quality, and Child Outcomes in Child Care Centers" study conducted in 1993. Also highlights a 1994 Child Care Information Exchange survey in which day care center directors rated various determinants of quality in a day care center on a scale of 1 to 10. Center leadership was rated the most…

Discusses advantages and disadvantages of organizing a child care operation as a for-profit or a nonprofit organization. Areas discussed include ease of start up; access to capital and funding; exposure to taxes; access to community support; appeal to volunteers, teaching candidates, and parents; challenge of management; risk to management;…

Offers information on financial and data management computer software programs designed specifically for day care centers. (BB)

Successful fundraising ideas for childcare centers are presented and guidelines for developing fundraising plans are proposed. Suggestions include diverse sales of products or services to parents and community, events where pleasure and profit can be combined, games of chance, and written or verbal appeals such as phone appeals or newsletters. (AA)

Discusses five measures for evaluating the competence of a child care center director and ways centers can measure their success: the rate at which families return to the center; discipline not being an issue; children's positive view of the center; appropriate exhibition of affection between children and teachers; and the presence of laughter.…