Based on research as well as on the down-to-earth experiences which come from running a large military child care center, this director's manual provides guidelines for running an effective program. The guidebook, one in a series on the subject of military child care centers, presents advice on the following seven topics: becoming a center director, understanding the legal aspects of child care, staffing for quality child care centers, planning for staff development and evaluation for effective facility and equipment management, developing admission policies and procedures, assuring the health and safety of children in care, and managing the center's food service and nutrition program. A list of inexpensive resources which can be used to supplement the information presented is included at the end of each topic. (MP)