Head Start: A Comprehensive Child Development Program for Children Birth to Age Five.

This pamphlet describes Head Start, a comprehensive program designed to foster the healthy development of young children from low-income families. Based on the view that Head Start helps to build a foundation for children's success, the pamphlet describes the population served by the program, the support received by local communities, its expansion to serve infants and toddlers, the establishment of high standards, the program's active support of high-quality services, and the measurement of outcomes for children. The Head Start philosophy is described as reflected in the array of services provided to children and families: education and early childhood development, child health and development, and family and community partnerships. The role of Head Start in improving child development services and focusing national attention on the importance of early childhood development is highlighted. The pamphlet also emphasizes the role of volunteers in the success of Head Start. Concluding the pamphlet is a list of Head Start regional offices. (KB)