Discusses study findings of the "Cost, Quality, and Child Outcomes in Child Care Centers" that support the position that efforts of center directors to provide quality childcare services are often undermined by purchasing practices of parents and public agencies. (DR)

Notes that child-care-center directors feel trapped by financial limitations, and encourages administrators to dream of changes to their programs and then to creatively achieve their dreams. Presents strategies for securing positive changes: assessing current situation; representing pieces of dream with blocks; reinventing idea of quilting bees;…

Describes the change strategies involved in moving a mediocre child care program onto the road to excellence. Highlights strategies focusing on changing staff perceptions of themselves and their practices with families, obtaining honest observations of staff, visiting other programs for inservice training, examining educational practices in terms…

Notes the difficulty of developing and managing a child care business well. Describes Sharlit and McConnell's (1989) five-phase model of business growth as it might apply to a growing child care program. The phases of development described are creativity; direction; delegation; coordination; and collaboration. (TJQ)

Reports on developments regarding the expansion, quality enhancement, and identification of effective child care models around the world. Notes that several countries that have made substantial progress in developing innovative child care strategies are in the process of refining and broadening their programs. Highlights the program improvements…

Discusses ideas for using various kinds of storage facilities that can maximize material as well as human resources, thus improving day care programs. Closed and open storage units and facilities are discussed. (BB)

Presents four articles on the benefits of multi-age child care settings as being similar to a natural family setting. The workshop titles are: "The Benefits of the Mix" (Katz); "Dealing with Staff and Parent Concerns" (Allison); "Multi-Age at Riverfield Country Day School" (Clark); and "Making Multi-Age Groups Work" (Bergman and Gainer). (LBT)

Advocates the creation of an "at-home" environment in after-school programs to encourage children to wind down after active days and to make child care a place of security, love, and fun. Suggests that a quiet environment, snacks, homework, puzzles and games, outdoor or gymnasium play comprise an effective after-school program. (KDFB)

Examines problems that can result when staff children are enrolled in a child-care program, discussing examples of positive and negative situations. Suggests that a series of problems can arise from financial considerations, favoritism, and discipline; however, the overall benefits for the center as well as for the parent-teacher's well-being are…

Discusses the meaning and benefits of collaboration and how to determine if a program's policies and standards reflect and reinforce the value of collaboration. Offers strategies for building and sustaining collaborative relationships with families and for supporting the collaborative efforts of teaching staff. (TJQ)

Describes recent state initiatives to improve child care for Mississippi children. Efforts include development of a child care director's credential, on-site training through staff at mobile training vans, initiatives to heighten consumer awareness and help parents make informed choices, voter education projects, and free yearly conferences for…

Describes the importance of creating an organizational structure where adult staff in child care settings can work together in teams. Argues that team building requires a climate of caring with respect for all views, support, trust, and a relaxed environment. Also proposes that a commitment to encouraging ideas, professionalism, and growth is…

Information from meetings on the legal aspects of child sexual abuse is used a starting point for a discussion of risk management and program improvement plans intended to safeguard child care center staff from unwarranted accusations. A full-page chart of "Self-Defense Strategies" is included. (DR)

Explores the advantages of beginning or continuing a home visitation program as a method for developing positive school-home relationships. Reveals that home visitation is not widely practiced due to unavailable or uncooperative parents, lack of time, and safety concerns. Addresses strategies to overcome obstacles and program management concerns.…

Answers questions related to the states' use of new federal funding for child care. (BB)