This paper discusses the need for continuity of services for preschool children. The paper focuses on three topics relevant to this concept: the preschool child, the necessary services, and the need for continuity. For the purposes of this paper, continuity refers to both the continuity of development and the continuity of services. The first section of the paper reviews current knowledge of preschool children in the areas of human growth and development, learning, the role of the family, and overall societal goals for children. The next section reviews the limitations of services currently available and presents a list of desirable characteristics for services affecting children and families. The third section discusses the need for planned service systems which support continuous development throughout the life cycle. The final section of the paper presents two models for providing effective services for preschool children and their families: the existing model of State Offices of Child Development and a proposed interagency approach to comprehensive services. The paper suggests that states have the option to select the format for services which is most consistent with their interests and their policies. (BD)