This study explores the potential benefits of multigenerational day care programs. Two small preschool programs serving predominantly low income black families were chosen for comparison. The programs were matched for child/staff ratio, level of staff professionalism, and characteristics of families served. The programs differed, however, in their educational philosophies and in the physical facilities available to them. One program was considered a traditional child care program; the second involved the use of foster grandparents over 60 years of age as paraprofessionals assisting in children's activities. Data were collected through testing, interviews, and observations involving children, parents, older adults, staff members, and other professionals in the fields of child care, gerontology and volunteerism. The data were used to analyze the attitudes of the children, parents, and staff, and the interactions among children, staff and older adults in each program. Also examined were the levels of professionalism necessitated by the multigenerational programs. Although results from testing suggested few differences between the traditional and the multigenerational programs, data from interviews and observations suggested that both the children and the older adults benefited from the experimental program. On the basis of the findings, suggestions are made for revisions to the Federal Interagency Day Care Requirements as they pertain to multigenerational child care programs. In addition to the study, the paper presents background material on the potential role older adults can play in various types of child care programs. (BD)