Collaborative efforts supporting the formation of early childhood units in the public schools are described. The efforts focused on experience gained in the Southern (Illinois) Region Prekindergarten Project's (SRPP) program of early childhood services for at-risk children. The SRPP began in 1988 with 6 programs in 10 school districts in 3 southern counties and expanded to include 11 programs at 10 public school sites in 22 school districts of 4 counties. Collaborating in the project and involved in scores of linkages were four organizations: The Illinois State Board of Education, Southern Illinois University at Carbondale, public schools in the participating districts, and a Regional Advisory Council. Linkages were also made with special education districts, Head Start, the Department of Children and Family Services, the Department of Public Aid, the Department of Mental Health, and adult education and literacy programs, such as Literacy Connection and Literacy Project. Phases of collaboration are discussed, including: (1) getting started by setting goals; (2) joining together; (3) making gains; (4) reaching out; and (5) looking to the future. (RH)