Information presented in this paper was used as a rationale for implementing a developmentally appropriate primary education program in the Redwood City School District, Redwood City, California. The purpose of the paper was to emphasize the need for intensifying the entry level program for students in order to insure a successful school experience for all. Discussion focuses on attitudes in people which engender success in school, societal changes which influence education, and the traditional characteristics of learning in the American classroom. Problematic characteristics of the District which were considered important to take into account in developing a new educational model are specified along with the hypotheses that constituted the foundation for beginning a relevant school readiness program for very young children. The envisioned program was designed to utilize the District's Child Development Center to promote children's readiness for formal learning. The concluding section of the paper provides an outline of the program and a timeline for its implementation. (RH)