A one-day hearing convened by the Senate Judiciary Committee examined the effort to meet the needs of children entering school who were exposed to drugs before their birth. Testimony focuses on the extent of the problem nationwide and on the need for early intervention strategies and special teacher training programs. Special note is taken of the problems that result from alcohol abuse, including fetal alcohol syndrome. It is estimated that the cost to prepare children affected by drug and alcohol abuse for school is $20 billion. Statements from Senators Edward Kennedy, Christopher Dodd, Hank Brown, Joseph Biden, Strom Thurmond, and Charles Grassley are presented. Additional statements and testimony are provided by Judy Howard (University of California at Los Angeles), Evelyn Davis (Harlem Hospital Center, New York), and Diane Powell (Project Daisy, Washington, D.C.). Implications for the School Readiness Act of 1991, the pending Children of Substance Abusers bill, and the reauthorization of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act are noted. (LB)