This booklet advocates and describes the establishment of community run preschool and day care centers. The type described is based on the Laborie Community Education Centre in Saint Lucia, West Indies. Chapter 1 advocates establishing small, local institutions that are community managed, community owned, concerned with quality, and sustainable. Chapter 2 describes the institution, which should concentrate on a preschool and day care center for children 0 to 5 years and with a parents-as-teachers program for parents of disadvantaged children. A food program is optional, but there should be scholarship help. Chapter 3 stresses the importance of parent involvement, especially for at-risk children. Various features are listed that can make parent programs successful. Chapter 4 lists the activities of the director, such as overseeing meetings, recruitment, evaluation, financial management, preparing annual reports, and liaising with funding and government organizations. Chapter 5 sets out the duties of the early childhood education administrator, especially relations with staff. Chapter 6 discusses the importance and duties of the other staff, especially their relations with the children. Chapter 7 describes the types of technical assistance needed. Chapter 8 describes the benefits of a board and the qualities board members should possess. Chapter 9 discusses achieving financial sustainability and the functions and duties of members and the director. (Includes 15 appendices comprised of various forms, budgets, meeting agendas, letters, questionnaires, evaluation forms, and checklists.) (TM)