Developing and Administering a Child Care and Education Program, Ninth Edition, authored by Dorothy June Sciarra, Anne G. Dorsey, Ellen Lynch, and Shauna Adams, stands as a pivotal resource for early childhood educators. Published by Cengage Learning on January 1, 2015 (ISBN-10: 1305088085, ISBN-13: 978-1305088085), this comprehensive guide, now in its 9th edition, deeply emphasizes the director’s vital responsibility as a leader of both people and programs within diverse community settings.

This thoroughly updated edition provides child development professionals with the essential business and interpersonal skills needed to implement an effective program for young children and their families. While primarily aimed at future early childhood educators—regardless of their administrative aspirations—it also serves as an indispensable resource for practicing directors. The authors deliver practical, detailed information across all aspects of program direction, encompassing curriculum selection; funding acquisition; budgeting; the selection, training, and supervision of staff; housing program facilities and purchasing equipment; fostering relationships with children and parents; navigating the processes of accrediting and licensing an early childhood center; and executing robust program evaluation and quality improvement strategies.