This paper discusses the potential educational benefits of television programs developed specifically for rural preschool children. It is noted that educational inequalities exist between rural and urban communities: there are fewer preschools in rural areas, and the instructional content in the schools which do exist is often inappropriate for rural children. Rural socialization practices and motivational structures are seldom taken into consideration in educational planning; in fact, further study is needed to determine differences and similarities in educational attitudes and socialization between rural and urban residents. Because preschool children in rural areas watch more television than their urban counterparts, the use of television as an educational tool is recommended. Current programming is described as generally inappropriate, since it portrays issues and places foreign to the rural child. Recommendations for program development include: (1) making content more culturally relevant; (2) establishing resources for parent and teacher involvement in the child's television viewing; and (3) utilizing multi-media approach with books, toys and other materials related to the television programs to encourage the child's overall development. Research findings and existing model programs are described in support of these recommendations. It is suggested that collaboration of countries in program production and exchange could decrease financial strain in the development of recommended educational systems. (BD)