The First Regional Early Childhood Forum was convened by the North Central Regional Educational Laboratory (NCREL) to identify, develop, and promote linkages in the community that foster the healthy development of young children and their families. Participants were divided into collaborative work groups first according to affiliation, then across agencies and states, and finally by state. In this record of proceedings, introductory information is followed by a summary of Michael Kirst's keynote address, "The Different Worlds of Preschools, Elementary Schools, and Children's Service Agencies." Kirst identifies barriers to collaboration and ways of overcoming them, and offers recommendations on implementing school-linked services. Next, the first work group report focuses on existing collaborations and potentially beneficial linkages. A summary of a panel discussion of collaboration is followed by Susan Walter's presentation, "One Family's Perspective: Seeing Children as Their Families See Them." Walter asserts that services for families with handicapped children must be accessible, both in terms of geography and acceptance of the families' cultures. Programs must also be comprehensive and coordinated, focused on families, and community-based. The next work group report considers collaboration across agencies and states, describing a new early childhood system, linkage strategies, and possible actions. Next, Illinois Lieutenant Governor Bob Kustra describes Project SUCCESS as a model for linking social services. The final work group report deals with agency and organizational policies that affect collaboration within a state. Finally, the forum report presents Michael Kirst's "Reflections on the NCREL Early Childhood Forum," a summary of upcoming forums and activities of NCREL, a list of members of NCREL's advisory council on early childhood and family education, and a list of participants in the forum. (AC)