This paper discusses major issues having to do with definition of terms and implementation strategies implicit in the first national education goal, which states: "By the year 2000, all children in America will start school ready to learn." The principles articulated in the paper by a collaboration of agencies and the private sector are meant to extend to all early education and care settings. Particular attention is devoted to consideration of three objectives relating to the first national education goal: (1) All disadvantaged and disabled children will have access to high quality and developmentally appropriate preschool programs that help prepare children for school; (2) Every parent in America will be a child's first teacher and devote time each day to helping his or her preschool child learn; parents will have access to the training and support they need; (3) Children will receive the nutrition and health care needed to arrive at school with healthy minds and bodies, and the number of low birthweight babies will be significantly reduced through enhanced prenatal systems. The role of federal programs in meeting the first goal is described. Contains 16 references. (LB)