This report examines how early educational opportunities affect child development and eventually adult productivity. The report also discusses some implications for developing countries. The effectiveness of educational programs for infants to 2.5-year-olds has not yet been demonstrated. However programs that ensure health, nutrition, immunization, and related issues are very effective in increasing infant physical growth and well-being. The effectiveness of preschool programs (for children 2.5 through 6 years of age) has been demonstrated, most notably by the evidence provided by the Head Start program. High-quality early childhood education is associated with fewer instances of poverty. Lessons for developing countries include: (1) educational programs for children aged 2.5 to 6 years of age are an important educational investment in the fight against poverty; (2) teaching children 2.5 to 6 years old didactically, no matter how logical it is to adult planners and administrators, is counterproductive. (Contains 5 selected readings and a list of 50 references.) (JW)