This Tennessee State policy is designed to provide positive learning outcomes for young children and promote parent involvement and the coordination of services for children and families. Introductory material underscores the importance of early learning, summarizes results of preschool intervention programs such as Head Start, and identifies current programs and needs of at-risk children. The next section sets forth principles for the planning, design, and delivery of early childhood education and parent involvement (ECE/PI) programs. Programs emphasize the family and community, comprehensive services, developmentally appropriate programs, quality standards, parent involvement, family services, interagency collaboration, staff selection and development, assessment and screening, early childhood units, planning, evaluation, accountability, and funding. After presenting the State Board of Education policy regarding high quality ECE/PI programs, the report outlines local program requirements in the areas of staff organization and development, facilities and transportation, a developmental learning program, parent involvement, family services, health and nutrition services, services for children with disabilities, governance, and administration. Steps in developing, gaining approval for, and implementing local programs are detailed. Discussion then turns to state responsibilities in the areas of procedures and policies, funding, and technical assistance. Finally, evaluation and accountability procedures are considered. The Master Plan for Tennessee Schools, and relevant legislation, are appended. (AC)