PURPOSES ARE TO HELP ADMINISTRATORS PREPARE APPLICATIONS FOR FUNDS UNDER THE ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITY ACT AND TO INDICATE NECESSARY STANDARDS TO ASSURE GOOD PROGRAMS FOR YOUNG CHILDREN. ADMINISTRATORS PREPARING APPLICATIONS SHOULD BEGIN BY BRINGING TOGETHER THE APPROPRIATE VOLUNTARY AND GOVERNMENT AGENCIES IN WELFARE, HEALTH, HOUSING, EDUCATION, AND EMPLOYMENT AS PARTICIPANTS IN DEVELOPING A COMMUNITY ACTION PROGRAM. LEADERS FROM THE AREAS IN WHICH THE PROGRAM WILL OPERATE SHOULD BE INCLUDED. ADMINISTRATORS CAN TELL WHAT IS NEEDED IN THEIR COMMUNITY BY CONSIDERING SUCH FACTORS AS--THE NUMBER OF LOW-INCOME FAMILIES, PARTICULARLY THOSE WITH CHILDREN, THE EXTENT OF PERSISTENT UNEMPLOYMENT AND UNDEREMPLOYMENT, THE NUMBER AND PROPORTION OF PEOPLE RECEIVING CASH OR OTHER ASSISTANCE ON A NEEDS BASIS FROM PUBLIC OR PRIVATE AGENCIES, SCHOOL DROPOUT RATES, MILITARY SERVICE REJECTION RATES, AND OTHER EVIDENCES OF LOW EDUCATIONAL ACHIEVEMENT, THE INCIDENCE OF DISEASE, DISABILITY, AND INFANT MORTALITY, HOUSING CONDITIONS, ADEQUACY OF COMMUNITY FACILITIES AND SERVICES, AND THE INCIDENCE OF CRIME AND JUVENILE DELINQUENCY. ADMINISTRATORS CAN EXPECT FINANCING FROM THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT, WHICH WILL PAY UP TO 90 PERCENT OF THE COST OF COMMUNITY ACTION PROGRAMS IN THE FIRST 2 YEARS. ANSWERS TO QUESTIONS WHICH ADMINISTRATORS ASK CONCERNING THE PROGRAMS FOR 3- AND 4-YEAR-OLD CHILDREN SHOULD INCLUDE EVIDENCE OF HEALTH AND SAFETY PROVISIONS FOR CHILDREN, EVIDENCE OF CAREFULLY SELECTED STAFF MEMBERS TO WORK WITH CHILDREN, SELECTION OF CHILDREN, ORGANIZATION OF GROUPS, THE PROGRAM FOR CHILDREN, THE PROGRAM FOR PARENTS, PROBLEM-ORIENTED PLANS FOR INSERVICE EDUCATION, PLANS FOR EQUIPMENT AND FACILITIES, AND THE BUDGET. RECOMMENDATIONS ARE INCLUDED.