Families undergo difficulties in trying to negotiate the labyrinth of early childhood services offered in Illinois. Because of the multiplicity of programs and scarce funding, many children and families do not receive the services they need. Coordination among programs and services is also limited. This paper offers background on how the foundations of Illinois' current system were laid, where Illinois is in the process of improving the coordination of services, and how a structure of services can be achieved which efficiently and equitably cares for and educates Illinois' youngest citizens. The following sections are included: (1) Background, including information on the 1989 Child Care Summit, along with the infusion of funds; (2) Current Status, including details on the mega-computer concept, Child Care Resource and Referral (CCR&R), and how to link care with education; (3) National Trends and Models, describing Illinois as a national leader in establishing a statewide system which links parents and providers; (4) Policy Implications; and (5) Alternatives for Action, includes a discussion of nine policy implications and future considerations. Appendices contain details of 30 early education funding streams, including Department of Child and Family Services (DCFS) employment-related child care, Illinois Department of Public Aid (IDPA) programs, Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) programs, federal programs, and public/private programs. (BGC)