This book discusses important issues of the day care profession. Topics include evaluation of the work place and the improvement of the day care environment for the benefit of staff, parents, and children. Organizational climate is considered in terms of the different types of early childhood programs and their relationship to current knowledge about individual and group behavior in organizations. Ten key dimensions of organizational climate that support professionalism are identified. An overview of the importance of assessing work attitudes focuses on both informal and formal assessments. The discussion also covers the ways in which day care directors can effectively promote a positive professional climate in their centers; these methods include: (1) encouragement of staff collegiality; (2) provision of opportunities for professional development; (3) feedback on teacher performance; (4) definition of roles and responsibilities; (5) the reward system; (6) staff involvement in decision-making; (7) staff involvement in determining program goals; (8) wise use of time; (9) setting of realistic work loads; (10) use of the physical environment to enhance job effectiveness; (11) encouragement of innovation and creativity. Included is a list of 115 references. (RJC)