This paper reports on the High/Scope National Policy Conference, which was concerned with the process of designing good early childhood legislation and the political processes that enhance or impede legislative passage. Discussion began with an overview of the range of options facing policymakers as they attempt to design legislation or write regulations to govern state-funded programs. Following the overview, three states were featured for an in-depth look at their experience in designing and implementing early childhood legislation: South Carolina, Massachusetts, and Illinois. Concluding discussion focused on curriculum issues including the relative merit of different curriculum models, quality programs in the public schools, and the need for a comprehensive, systematic curriculum based on accepted child development principles. (RH)