In 1986, Illinois implemented the Children at Risk of Educational Failure preschool program. By the 1991-1992 school year, almost 25,000 children were enrolled in the program. This document reports on accessibility to, and community involvement in, the program, and instructional and evaluation practices used in the program. The section on accessibility discusses the topics of state funding and program enrollment, full-day programs for children of working parents, and children with disabilities or limited English proficiency. Several topics relevant to the program's operation in Chicago are examined. The section on family and community involvement considers the topics of parent involvement in the preschool program, school meals, and interagency cooperation in early childhood education. The section on instructional practices and evaluation examines the topics of developmentally appropriate practices, individual assessment profiles, an annual program review, and a longitudinal program evaluation. For each topic discussed, at least one recommendation is offered. Appendices present data on program funding and enrollment for the eight most populous cities, and for each county, in the state. A bibliography of 36 items is provided. (BC)