In 1991 the Plan for Social Excellence, Inc., funded three elementary schools to design and implement a comprehensive early childhood education program. This funding initiative, entitled "Excellent Beginnings," supports programs that include innovative curriculum and classroom-management strategies, extensive parent participation, the use of high school mentors and college interns, and the development of systems to provide medical, psychological, and other social services to children and their families. Evaluation took place over a three-year period at the program sites: Midtown West Elementary School, New York City (New York) (Learning for Life), Fairfield Court Elementary School, Richmond (Virginia) (Fantastic Follow Through), and Lincoln Center, Ruston (Louisiana) (Project LINC). Overall conclusions are that implementation was consistent with the program vision and that the funding was a catalyst for positive change. Individual differences among the sites strongly influenced implementation efforts and outcomes. Although some elements of the model are difficult to implement and require technical assistance, this initial evaluation suggests beneficial effects on students. (SLD)