Between 1991 and 1993, a statewide study of public preschool practices in North Carolina was conducted to determine the characteristics of pre-kindergarten programs and of the children and families they served; short-term outcomes for children; and kindergarten outcomes for children who attended public preschool compared to those with other preschool experiences. The study involved surveys of 170 public preschool administrators and teachers, 63 classroom visits, and the collection of preschool ratings by teachers of over 1,000 preschool children. In addition, 260 of these preschoolers were followed into kindergarten and compared with 288 of their peers who had attended public preschools, Head Start programs, other community child care programs, or no programs. Study findings included the following: (1) there was a wide range of quality and appropriateness of preschool classes in North Carolina; (2) teachers predicted that at the end of the pre-kindergarten year, 91.4% of the age-eligible children would be heading to kindergarten; and (3) the majority of the children served by the public preschools were ethnic minorities, and their relatively greater improvement suggests that these programs are benefiting this group. Based on study findings, it was recommended that public preschool programs in North Carolina improve cultural awareness activities, toileting facilities and practices, gross motor equipment, dramatic play materials, and professional opportunities for staff. The Appendix contains questionnaires and measures used. (AC)