GUIDELINES FOR DEVELOPING OPERATIONS ACCORDING TO THE QUALITY CYCLE TOWARDS MANAGEMENT STANDARDS OF CHILD DEVELOPMENT CENTERS UNDER THE LOCAL ADMINISTRATIVE ORGANIZATION, MAHA SARAKHAM PROVINCE

Abstract

This mixed-methods research aimed to: 1) examine the current conditions, desired conditions, and needs in implementing the quality cycle toward management standards of child development centers under local administrative organizations in Maha Sarakham Province; and 2) develop implementation guidelines for the quality cycle toward management standards of these centers. The study was conducted in two phases. Phase 1 investigated the current and desired conditions as well as the needs using a five-point rating scale questionnaire. The sample consisted of 572 administrators and teachers selected through stratified random sampling. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics: percentage, mean, and standard deviation. Phase 2 explored development guidelines using semi-structured interviews with local administrative executives, heads of education divisions, directors of child development centers, and childcare teachers. The appropriateness and feasibility of the proposed guidelines were evaluated by three experts, and the data were analyzed using content analysis.

The findings revealed that: 1) the current implementation level of the quality cycle was high, while the desired condition was at the highest level. The most pressing needs were in the areas of general management, budgeting, and human resource management, respectively. 2) The proposed development guidelines covered three main areas, consisting of nine components and a total of 45 guidelines: 17 in human resource management, 20 in budgeting, and 8 in general management. All guidelines were rated at the highest level for both appropriateness and feasibility.