This publication is part of the "Leading by Exemplar" project, a multi-year study conducted by Bellwether Education Partners. In this project, every aspect of the Head Start exemplars' program design and practice was closely examined in an effort to understand each program's "secret sauce." Leading by Exemplar has three goals: (1) to identify Head Start programs that are producing powerful results for children; (2) elevate them as proof points of what is possible for the field; and (3) inform policy and other efforts to improve early learning outcomes. This report lays out tactical, detailed information about the five broad components of each of the Head Start exemplars: (1) curriculum, assessment, and instruction; (2) meeting the needs of all children; (3) ensuring high-quality teaching; (4) family engagement; and (5) data utilization. The five exemplary programs profiled are: (1) Acelero Learning; (2) Community Action Program of Tulsa (CAP Tulsa); (3) Educare Miami-Dade; (4) Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS); and (5) Utah Community Action (UCA). Understanding the practices of these programs -- not only what they are, but how they are implemented -- will benefit all early childhood providers, who want to adopt these practices into their own programs. This research also offers invaluable lessons for policymakers and the field at large for creating an environment that improves the quality of all programs and allows high performers to thrive.