Findings from a meeting that brought together 35 U.S. experts on early childhood education are synthesized in this report on high quality early education and child care programs. The report is based on participants' responses to the following issues: (1) the state of knowledge about the effectiveness of preparation and training efforts; (2) the most important issues challenging preparation and training delivery systems; (3) ways to finance new programs; and (4) policy and program development strategies to improve early childhood preparation and training programs that the federal government, the states, and the private sector should pursue. The skyrocketing increase in child care needs nationwide is cited, and it is emphasized that quality is as important as quantity in service delivery. Specific topics addressed in the report include: supply and turnover problems; lack of adequate career ladders and differentiated staffing patterns; lack of professional and financial incentives; lack of demand for trained personnel; approaches to increasing financial incentives; strategies for tailoring training to specific needs; the importance of creating linkages between regulatory systems and of reducing fragmentation among institutions of higher education; and the urgent need for comprehensive and collaborative planning. Appended are a list of participants and the agenda for the meeting; resources for early training programs and curricula; a bibliography; and related materials. Contains 51 references. (LB)