North Carolina's approach and philosophy concerning K-3 programs are described. Information is provided on the following topics: (1) early childhood education (K-3) background; (2) State Board of Education objectives for kindergarten-early childhood education centers; (3) the reasons for kindergartens; (4) major trends in early childhood education; (5) the importance of full-day kindergartens; (6) the nuts and bolts of kindergarten-early childhood education--the teacher and teacher assistant, instructional materials and equipment; (7) facts and figures on State-supported kindergartens; (8) evaluation of the 1969-71 early childhood program, including retention data; (9) classroom space; (10) availability of teachers; (11) federally funded kindergartens; and (12) how children with special problems fit in. (KM)