This volume, a compilation of essays and state-of-the-art reviews, re-evaluates the progress and current practices in early childhood education. Topics include some of the issues, problems and implications of developmental theory applied to preschool education; historical antecedents for early education; malnutrition and behavioral development; coordination of health programs; early identification of developmental difficulties; children's sociolinguistic competence and dialect diversity; preliminaries to a theory of cultural differences; the effect of mass media on young children's development; an instructional theory approach to the analysis of selected education models; a process approach to program evaluation; strategies for research and evaluation; a cross-cultural review of early childhood education; assessment of institutional program models' responsibilities; especially in relation to parent participation; staff requirements; and the future impact of increasing early childhood education on the education continuum. The essays take into consideration the results of the latest scientific studies of child development, changes in educational philosophy, the growth of knowledge, and changes in the American political, economic, and social structure. (CS/ED)