This practical guide to developing and writing charters was prepared for New Zealand's early childhood educators. Charters differ from licenses. In order to become licensed, early childhood groups must demonstrate that they have fulfilled a number of minimum standards. But in order to receive a charter, licensed, operating, and registered groups must show that they are planning to improve or are continuing to meet specific criteria in the areas of early childhood management and curriculum. Personnel can use this guide in conjunction with the Early Childhood Management Handbook in order to: (1) work toward meeting minimum standards for licensing; (2) assemble information needed to write charter documents; (3) improve consultations with staff, parents, and community; and (4) make decisions about organizing the staff and center, drawing up a budget, and establishing a basis for evaluating center programs and processes. Other topics covered in the guide include the new structure for education in New Zealand; the case for early childhood education; objectives; the process of moving from license to charter; the process of settling differences; and the process of writing the charter document. Appendix 1 provides policy statements from the New Zealand Childcare Association, while Appendix 2 lists resources and books. (RH)