An innovative kindergarten program was established as a federally funded project to pursue the following objectives: (1) to discover and develop the potential ability of each child, (2) to develop feelings of autonomy and self-worth, (3) to provide experiences for developing inquiring attitudes and for development of self-confidence and positive self-concepts, (4) to provide an accepting climate, (5) to develop a multisensory approach in terms of activities and materials, and (6) to involve children and parents in meaningful activities. Approximately 500 children who would have been assigned to seven local elementary schools were brought to this child development center for kindergarten. An early childhood education consultant was assigned to coordinate the program and act as a liaison between the center and parents. An oral communication specialist, a learning and materials specialist, paraprofessionals, and a psychologist were assigned to the project. Unique features included a reading program, a boys' center emphasizing gross motor activity, a language laboratory, and an instructional materials center. The curriculum was focused on perceptual skills (motor and visual), cognitive, language, and social skills, and on communication of attitudes and feelings. The staff committed themselves to the thesis that excellence in education must begin before children reach graded education. (DO)