This book presents a competency-based performance-oriented course designed by the General Learning Corporation for on-site training of day care, Head Start, preschool, kindergarten and "open primary" teachers, assistants and volunteers who are working in programs with limited staff development funds. The course includes (1) detailed suggestions to the training leaders, (2) reading assignments and semi-self-instructional exercises for staff members, (3) systems for assessing the progress of children and staff, and (4) materials and guidelines for developing and implementing a parent and volunteer involvement program. In sixteen chapters, an entire year's operation is outlined, from orienting the staff to organizing the physical plant and establishing a curriculum. (GO)