Ten guidelines for establishing preschool programs in the public schools are discussed in terms of premises and suggestions. It is asserted that public school-based programs for black, preschool-age children should: (1) incorporate an effective parent education program; (2) involve parents in decisions about curriculum and policy; (3) include teachers from the community served by the program who are racially and ethnically representative of the children served; (4) be required to offer training in preschool education or in-service training provided by qualified staff; (5) have a curriculum that is culturally sensitive and appropriate to the child's age and level of development; (6) be housed in schools that meet health and safety standards that apply to independent preschools and center-based child care programs; (7) participate in federal and state programs which guarantee adequate nutrition to children; (8) ensure that children who enter the programs have access to appropriate health care; (9) not limit their assessment of children to, or base their program planning solely on, standardized tests; and (10) be subject to a regular, external review by community members and early childhood development experts. A reference list, names and addresses of the National Black Child Development Institute (NBCDI) Advisory Committee on Child Care and information about NBCDI complete the guide. (RH)