Where we are headed—and why: A step-by-step guide to strategic planning in center-based child care

Abstract

Having a vision for the future is an essential, yet elusive, part of day care management. For busy administrators, planning for the years ahead is often a low priority due to the day-to-day emergencies which take precedent. However, this can be accomplished in an effective manner through the process of strategic planning. Unlike long-term planning, completed by a few administrators in isolation and based on current trends, strategic planning allows all those involved in the child care center--board members, director, staff, volunteers, and parents--to participate in the process of constructing a future for the child care center based on current realities as well as their hopes and dreams. Once it is written, a guide is established which provides direction for future activities for the center. This article offers a step-by-step guide to the development of a strategic plan.