The Task Force on Children's Learning and the Arts: Birth to Age Eight guides the development of arts-based early childhood programs and resources, and links the arts to the literacy of young children. This document presents examples of activities, programs, research, and resources that exemplify each of three guiding principles related to: the child's learning through engagement in the arts; meaningful experiences with the arts; and the learning environment and adult interaction. Following introductory remarks, the document delineates the national reports and initiatives informing the discussion between the arts and early childhood communities regarding the role of the arts in young children's learning and development. The three guiding principles are then detailed, and examples are presented for putting the guiding principles into action in developmentally appropriate arts experiences. A chart delineates developmental benchmarks and stages, and summarizes appropriate arts activities from infancy through eight years. Finally, Task Force recommendations are listed for individuals/organizations specializing in the arts, individuals/organizations specializing in educating young children, and the education research community. Appended are representative examples of arts-based early childhood programs, research, and programs available in a companion database to this report. A list of the members of the Task Force complete the report. (Contains 21 references.) (KB)