The early intervention strategies of the Wichita (Kansas) Public Schools Education Consolidation and Improvement Act Chapter 1 Prekindergarten Program made a difference in the later academic achievement of participants. The Prekindergarten program serves educationally and developmentally disadvantaged 3- and 4-year olds residing in low-income areas. This study followed 171 pupils who had been in the program in the 1982-83 school year, and who remained in the Wichita school system through 1986-87. Data were drawn from standardized test scores, records of parent contacts with school personnel and social workers, and the results of a survey of parent attitudes. Summary findings include the following: (1) half of the participants required an average of 1.5 years of additional Chapter 1 reading and mathematics services after leaving prekindergarten; (2) those participants who required more than two years of continued Chapter 1 services usually required mathematics in grades 1 and 2, and reading in grades 3 and 4; (3) retention rates for participants were slightly higher than those for the total district in grade 1, but were comparable by grade 3; (4) a higher percentage of participants were placed in special education classrooms than the general district population; and (5) there were no significant differences in the academic achievement of program participants in the second and third grades when compared to pupils from similar socioeconomic areas. Statistical data are included on 15 tables. A nine-item bibliography is included. (FMW)