Research has consistently found that overall administrative practices are crucial for ensuring high quality
outcomes for children and families (Bloom, 1989, 1996a, 1996b; Cost, Quality and Child Outcomes study team, 1995; Kagan and
Bowman, 1997; Phillips, Mekos, Scarr, McCartney and Abbott-Shim, 2000; Whitebook, Howes and Phillips, 1990). Without
quality systems in place at the organizational level, high quality interactions and learning environments at the classroom
level cannot be sustained. By joining the Consortium, centers will strengthen their administrative practice
because directors will have significantly less administrative burden and will be able to access and get support to integrate
best practice in every area of administration and management.