This publication describes the necessary steps a day care planner should follow from his or her initial thoughts of starting a day care center through to opening the door to care for children. The following steps are suggested: (1) consult appropriate offices to obtain licensing regulations, and zoning codes, as well as information on major sanitation rules, and building, fire, and safety provisions; (2) conduct self-assessment to determine capabilities to operate a center, determine the need for a day care center in your community and decide what kind of center you will operate; (3) decide on the form of organization (corporation, partnership, or proprietorship) and whether it will be a profit or non-profit organization; (4) develop and collect data on how to set up and operate a budget; (5) decide on the location of the center and determine the costs involved in building, purchasing, leasing, or using donated space; (6) order and purchase furniture, toys, equipment, and, if necessary, food; (7) determine the number of staff required, their salaries and responsibilities, and the hiring process; (8) advertise, recruit, and enroll children. A list of current state day care center offices, a sample questionnaire for parents, a glossary of banking terms, a sample job description, a chart of furniture, toys, and equipment expenses, and an annotated bibliography are appended. (Author/MP)