This guide was compiled by a group of rural Arizona day care center managers working under the Migrant Opportunity Program (MOP) established in 1965. The managers were previously inexperienced and, at the end of two years, were interested in self-improvement and more efficient ways to perform their jobs. Their collaboration and idea exchange, based on their actual experiences, resulted in this guide. Suggestions for more efficient day care center operations are made. Topics include staff supervision, purchasing guidelines, and ideas for evaluation of center efficiency. Another section explores means of obtaining public support from volunteers, parents, and auxillary resources. There are guidelines for compliance with regulations and adequate maintenance of records (income, employment, health, progress, statistics). The guide deals with the practical aspects of staff training including lesson planning and an explanation of methods effective in adult education. This practical text is particularly useful for federally funded centers for disadvantaged children. [Filmed from best available copy.] (AJ)