book I needed when I accepted the Director position of my first child care center. I could have used a roadmap to navigate the ins and outs of being a leader and of building an education organization - at the same time. I could have used a book that was clearly written with details and specifics, guidelines and know-how - to help me create a vision for this new program; to build my team; to add the parent component; to set the stage for the children; to design environments and program for them; to create and fit the many parts of the organization together; to make changes when they were needed; to think strategically and execute those plans; to close the center if that decision was made.

This is that book! And, it is my story - inspired by the largest child care center that I opened during my career. I served as Director there for twenty years and ultimately, closed the door. I experienced first-hand, the entire life cycle of a child care center and I have a unique perspective to share what I have learned.

What I bring to this book is a wealth of hands-on, real-life experience and expertise, humor, and common sense. I know the life of the education/business director. I have lived it. I know the joys and satisfactions. I know the problems and pitfalls - and the solutions and strategies to avoid them. I've learned a lot because I have built four early childhood programs.

Beginning to End is a 'how-to' and memoir combined. It was specifically written as a resource for early childhood educators at all levels, but it has appeal and merit for other people-centered businesses as well. Take the ideas and approaches - use them. They work!

Marcia L. Hebert