This paper describes The Toledo Museum of Art Early Childhood Program, a program that promotes knowledge and appreciation of art by young children and their families. The program supports the interactionist philosophy of early childhood education, which focuses on developmentally appropriate instruction. In interactionism, the major emphasis is on the design of a classroom environment that is predicated on a central theme. This theme approach enables the teacher to provide systematic instruction. In this approach, teachers use creative play as the core of instruction. Stories, games, paying visits, music, movement, and thoughtful discussions about works of art in local galleries stimulate children to make creative responses at the art tables. The history, aesthetics, and criticism components of art education are incorporated into lessons. Sample lessons, which show the ease with which these components can be integrated into child-centered learning, are included. Parent and community involvement in the program, and future directions for early childhood art education, are discussed. Five references are appended. (GLR)