hi Amber
Although it may be tempting to start with WORD because you know it better now, don't do it this way! It won't end well. There are ways to take already transcribed data, move it to text edit-type files, and then put them into CLAN, but from your email it sounds like you haven't got the data transcribed yet, so it's REALLY REALLY best to start in CLAN.
On the CHILDES website there is a document called "An SLP's guide to CLAN". If you haven't seen that yet, take a look. It's kind of a 'stripped down' version of the CHAT and CLAN manuals designed to help folks get started, going step by step.
Hope this helps. And welcome to the community!
Shelley