This context analysis study examines the present conditions in early childhood education and development to determine the state of the art. On the basis of literature reviews, personal and telephone interviews, and information gathered from a conference of educational practitioners in various fields, early childhood education needs are defined. Possible solutions to problems are discussed in terms of day care, intervention, parenting, and methodologies. The recommended solutions require developing necessary materials and processes for training caregivers, and using various media to produce a flexible and variable set of products. Extensive bibliographies and reading lists are given for each chapter. Appendixes include a Bibliography of Measurement, Products Available, Bibliography of Longitudinal Studies, and a list of conference participants. (CS)