Managing is doing the day-to-day things at the service in order to fulfil your long-term goals. For example, if you are buying some new books for the children at your service, you are helping to manage their learning needs.

Managing includes such things as:

• making sure the regulations are met on a daily basis
• preparing budgets and financial accounts
• implementing the goals and policies
• buying and looking after resources
• making sure families and the community are up to date with what is happening with the service.

When you are managing, it is important to make sure you hear and respond to the views and concerns of the coordinator and the educators. The management group should not take over or interfere with the educators’ responsibilities.

Every service is different. In some big services there can be separate governance and management group. In smaller services there is often 1 group that is responsible for both governing and managing.

The governance group is responsible for developing and reviewing the service’s policies. The management group will be responsible for developing and implementing procedures that bring the policies to life. It is important that the management group knows that it is its responsibility to ensure the efficient administration of the service, accurate financial accountability, and the funding received is used towards achieving the goals of the service.