A survey was conducted in Sweden and the United States to assess parents' perceptions of early childhood programs. A stratified random sample of parents whose children were involved in early childhood programs was identified in St. Louis County, Minnesota, and Kronobergs Lan, Smaland, Sweden. In the first section of the five-part survey, parents indicated the degree to which they agreed or disagreed with statements about such topics as governmental support of children and families. Compared to Minnesotans, more parents in the Swedish sample felt that the government supports early childhood programs. Parents in the United States used early childhood programs as a support mechanism to increase their confidence in child rearing. In the remaining four sections of the survey, parents rated the importance of various types of parental involvement and of various materials, activities, and caregiver actions in their children's programs. In general, parents in Sweden valued informal contact and inner-directed creative materials and activities, while parents in the United States valued confining activities, such as rote counting, community-based experiences, and compliance with adult expectations. A 10-page discussion of family life and early childhood education in both countries precedes the survey report. (RH)