General issues in the development of programs for language minority children at the preschool level, ages 2-4, are discussed. Focus is on the need to meet their comprehensive needs, and the five following points are made: (1) programs should be designed to serve the child's social/emotional, physical, and cognitive development within the context of the family and community and the programs must employ developmentally appropriate practices that respect individual differences and choices; (2) parents should be an integral part of the programs, which must also incorporate the family and home culture; (3) staff should be trained to provide comprehensive services to young children; (4) programs should not segregate children according to family income, and all children should have equal access to quality programming; and (5) adequate and consistent funding is needed. Implications of each point are discussed. It is concluded that, faced with increased stress and poverty, as well as changing lifestyles, demographics, and social issues, the language minority family requires services to strengthen it and support the development of healthy, competent young children. Contains 26 references. (LB)