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This handbook is a general planning tool for child development groups that want to be more effective than they are. It is designed to help a group determine (1) its reasons for existence; (2) its aspirations for improving child development programs in the community; (3) its limitations; (4) what steps it needs to take to achieve its goals; (5) who will carry out its initial project; and (6) the schedule of action necessary. The handbook also offers guidance in group self-evaluation, so that the group can determine (1) if the planned project is being carried out; (2) if it is being carried out to the group's satisfaction; and (3) upon completion, if the project fulfilled the group's initial expectations and if the group should continue to proceed with further projects. (ED)

This group facilitator manual which forms the basis of a package of materials (including a handbook and media presentation) is designed for use with child care councils, policy advisory committees, and child advocacy groups which want to become more effective in developing programs for children. The manual is divided into two major sections. The first section briefly reviews the concepts and principles used in the handbook; that is, the need, approach, theory, and planning process which underlie the package. Information related to the processes of group dynamics is reviewed. The second section reviews the individual steps and decisions found in the handbook including twelve questions through which the group defines itself, its goals, decisions, actions, and follow-up evaluation. For each of these questions, the facilitator is provided guidelines on what to watch and keep in mind, the semantics involved, plus other considerations. Brief sections are also included on the use of the transparencies and slide show. (ED)