This bulletin describes a first-grade "readiness program" developed at the Aumsville (Oregon) School District to help children who have been found to be at risk in a standard first-grade program. These students attend a readiness first grade designed to assist their development emotionally, socially, physically, and academically and only then go on to the regular first grade; hence, for them, first grade is a two-year program. The program is grounded in developmental theory and research, and it has achieved its short-range goals, though it is still too early to assess the long-range effects. After an introductory overview, the theory behind the program is presented and the steps taken to implement it are described. The second section describes the readiness program in operation: the screening process, the readiness room curriculum, development of motor skills, and classroom activities. The next section discusses results of the program after 2 years, and this is followed by a section covering the highlights of readiness theory and research. A short bibliography is included, along with five appendixes consisting of curricular and evaluative materials used in the readiness program. (TE)