This report presents the findings of a major study of preschool provision in Scotland. Part 1 of the report sets the context for the project, clarifying its aims, providing information on relevant issues, and discussing the research questions addressed. Part 2 presents the findings arising from the various methods used to collect evidence. Finally, part 3 focuses on issues related to the quality of provision that emerged from the findings and locates these issues in the context of the specific research areas for investigation set out in the first part of the report. The research, which concentrated on children ages two to four years, looked at four main areas relating to experiences with and outcomes of preschool provision: (1) costs and benefits; (2) the extent to which developmentally appropriate aims are compatible with education demands of formal schooling; (3) provision made in different centers for special needs children; and (4) perceptions of parents and providers of the quality in preschool provision. Evaluation results indicated that most children attending any kind of center-based care were likely to have access to suitable facilities and a wide range of resources and equipment for promoting their social, emotional, physical, and intellectual development. The findings also suggested that although there seem to be many different forms of care and education available, many parents may have limited choice. In particular, many working parents who are looking for full-time care face problems finding care provision that meets their needs. (Contains over 100 references.) (AA)