This document describes the early childhood services program in Alberta, Canada and its goals for accomplishment with children, within families, and in the community. Early Childhood Services (ECS), Alberta Education, is concerned with the provision of a coordinated system of local, regional, and provincial programs and services to meet the developmental and special needs of young children and their families. Included in the system are government departments which have responsibility for health, social, educational, and recreational services for children and their families and for the training of staff. Material covered in the document is intended for use by parents, staff, and community services as a guide for the development, implementation, and evaluation of local, regional, and provincial programs; and for the identification of staff development and parent needs. Section I outlines the beliefs and principles guiding ECS activities. Section II states ECS goals. Comprising half the guide, Section III describes program dimensions, including those centered on children's self-concept, physical, social, emotional, intellectual, and creative development, as well as staff development, parent participation, health, and coordination of community services. The guide is illustrated with numerous black and white photographs. (RH)