This document provides guidelines for administrators, practitioners, and parents to use in developing high quality preschool education programs for 4-year-olds. Ideas presented in the document are based on principles set forth and confirmed by research on individual needs of young children, child development, and the conditions under which children learn best. Contents provide standards for nine areas of program operation: (1) philosophy; (2) population and access; (3) curriculum; (4) learning environment and equipment; (5) advisory council and community involvement; (6) parent and family involvement; (7) funding; (8) administrative and supervisory personnel; and (9) instructional staff personnel. Standards and criteria of each area of program operation are described. Standards are offered as measures for qualitative and quantitative assessment of preschool programs and are recommended as guidelines for curriculum development. Each criterion is elaborated in terms of quality indicators which can be used to determine the extent to which standards are met. Definitions and a brief statement of the early childhood education philosophy of the Michigan State Board of Education are provided. Over 60 research-based references that support the contents of the guide are cited. (RH)