This systematic planning guide is intended to assist early childhood teachers in planning the educational program and in designing classroom activities. In addition, New Jersey educators will find it helpful in complying with state requirements. Guidelines are presented in the following areas: (1) establishing a philosophy; (2) developing goals; (3) assessing children's needs (informal, norm-referenced, and criterion-referenced measures); (4) developing objectives; (5) designing the educational program (organization by areas of child development and by curriculum areas); (6) implementing educational activities (teacher role, student role, resources needed, and where and when activities take place); and (7) evaluating the educational program (progress reports on children, program reports by teachers and staff, reports on the class or center, and information from parents). A sample work plan is offered for each of four child development areas: physical, social, emotional, and cognitive development. Each plan provides a goal, broad objective, specific objective, activity, and list of materials/resources. A six-item list of references is included. Appendices include the New Jersey State Board of Education's statements on the principles and philosophy of early childhood education and a directory of sources of written materials including nine New Jersey state sources and ten national sources. (DC)