This report provides a statewide summary and evaluation of the first year of operation of the early childhood education program funded by the State of California. Approximately 800 school districts throughout the state provided early childhood education programs for 172,073 pupils in K-3 (14 percent of statewide enrollment). Master plans, developed by parents, teachers, and administrators in the participating schools, were designed to assure individualized instruction for children beginning at age 3 years, 9 months. The program components included: community and parent participation and education, emphasis on increasing pupil competencies (especially in reading, language, and mathematics), program staff development and inservice education, health care services, and locally needed options. The evaluation of program components focuses on the effectiveness of individual programs in meeting their own objectives. Program weaknesses are also discussed. Overall program results indicate significant improvement of pupil achievement, especially for disadvantaged children. Approximately one-third of the report is made up of tables. (ED)