Progress made in the field of early childhood development during the past decade is examined to provide the background and rationale for tree programs funded by the National Institute of Education (NIE) in 1974: a parenting information center, a multimedia child care training package, and television spots related to child rearing principles. The evaluation consisted of four phases: (1) interviews of 11 nationally-recognized experts in child development who identified problems in research and development, (2) a literature search to identify research findings, demonstration projects, position papers, and books in early childhood education, (3) a one-day conference of regional and state agencies to discuss delivery systems and product content, and (4) interviews of trainers of parents and paraprofessionals who identified successful and unsuccessful practices involved in working with low-income families. Each of these phases is described in detail. Also included is information concerning the progress of the three programs funded by NIE. (BRT)