This report discusses Philadelphia's Follow Through program placing the project in its historical context. Growing out of the curriculum reform movement of the fifties and sixties, as well as Project Head Start and the War on Poverty, the Follow Through program was an attempt to maintain and reinforce the gains made by low-income children in preschool programs, and to implement on a nationwide scale effective exemplary approaches to the education and development of young children. The Philadelphia Follow Through program began in 1968 with 1343 kindergarten pupils in 16 Philadelphia schools. Seven early childhood education models were used. Changes or modifications brought about by the program (in teacher aide hiring practices, curriculum, administrative support areas, professional roles and use of community agencies and resources) are discussed. Parent participation and community involvement were found to play a major role in all aspects of the program. Limitations of the project are discussed, and it is concluded that while Follow Through has had many positive effects, there are still areas in need of improvement. (MS)