This interim evaluation of Louisiana's 1986-87 Early Childhood Development Program focuses primarily on ongoing second and third year projects, but also provides some descriptive information about the general characteristics and implementation strategies of first year projects. The purpose of the evaluation was to provide information to decision makers at the state level to assist them in making judgments about the extent to which the intended goals for early childhood development in the public schools had been attained, and about the need for modifications in program operations and administration. Evaluation questions focused on: (1) characteristics of projects in terms of number and location, class type and enrollment, selection criteria, family background of participants, staffing, inservice, instructional program, facilities, transportation, and parental involvement; (2) cost of the projects; and (3) the impact of the present second and third year programs on former participants who had advanced to kindergarten or first grade classes. Included in the report are a review of related literature which describes essential components of an early childhood education program, an overview of the methods used in the evaluation, and, in appendices, Act 323 of the 1985 Louisiana Legislature concerning early childhood development projects, and the evaluation instrument. (RH)