Noting that at-risk children who attend high quality early childhood care and pre-kindergarten programs are less likely to commit delinquent or criminal behaviors than children denied access to such programs, this report presents information on the effectiveness of such programs for preventing crime and argues that Pennsylvania can prevent crime and save taxpayer money by investing in high quality early childhood education and care programs. Following an executive summary, the report is organized into four major sections. Section 1 presents evidence on the effectiveness of model programs, such as the High/Scope Peer Preschool Program and the Syracuse University Family Development Program, and public programs such as Pittsburgh's Early Childhood Initiative, for reducing the incidence of delinquency and crime or for reducing the incidence of behavior problems. Section 2 argues that although high quality programs with strong parent involvement components are critical to reducing antisocial behavior, delinquency, and adult crime, about 80 percent of care in Pennsylvania was assessed as minimal or adequate. Pennsylvania programs such as Keystone Starts are highlighted as initiatives to improve the quality of care in the state. Section 3 notes that families' financial burden for child care is substantial and identifies the types of pre-kindergarten and child care programs available in Pennsylvania. Section 4 argues that Pennsylvania can prevent crime and save taxpayers' money by investing in high-quality early childhood education programs. The report concludes by urging state government to commit to a plan to assure for all Pennsylvania families affordable access to voluntary quality pre-kindergarten programs. (Contains 56 endnotes.) (KB)