This paper describes the Early Screening Project (ESP), a system to identify behavior problems among preschool children ages 3 to 5. The ESP is a three-stage, multiple-gating set of procedures which assesses both the frequency and intensity of adjustment problems. In Stage 1, teachers rank students on externalizing and internalizing behavior dimensions, focusing on the five children in their classroom who best exemplify either externalizing or internalizing behaviors. In Stage 2, teachers complete a behavior checklist evaluating critical events, aggressive behavior, social interaction, adaptive behavior, and maladaptive behavior. During Stage 3, the child's social behavior is observed in the classroom and on the playground. A parent questionnaire provides additional input on the child's ability to play with other children, get along with caregivers, play with materials, and care for self. Psychometric studies have supported the technical adequacy (reliability and validity) of the ESP. The ESP is believed to minimize the time and cost requirements of preschool assessments while increasing accuracy over other screening instruments. (Contains 10 references.) (DB)