This instructional book is a great reference for professionals operating early childhood education programs and for students seeking a complete review of the myriad skills needed to run a successful program. Taking into consideration new trends, the material addresses such important program issues as setting goals, developing objectives, setting up the environment and planning learning activities. Critical to any program are the recruitment, hiring, training and retention of quality staff. The material in this guide makes those tasks easier and less time consuming. Budget development, safe building maintenance, food service operations and day-to-day issues and tasks all are covered thoroughly and practically. The reader also will value a very relevant discussion of computer-assisted tasks, current concern over ethical conduct and the presentation of a credential developed for program directors.