There is little agreement concerning which methods of preschool intervention are most effective. In order to evaluate several approaches to early childhood education, Project Head Start, in conjunction with Project Follow Through, has initiated the Planned Variation program. This year only a pilot project is underway with eight schools participating. These are (1) University of Kansas, where Bushell uses a behavior analysis approach; (2) University of Illinois, where Becker and Engelmann use a structured, academic approach; (3) Bank Street College, where Gilkeson presents a developmental approach with emphasis on self-direction; (4) University of Arizona, where Henderson stresses behavioral skills and attitudes; (5) Ypsilanti, where Weikart relies on Piaget's cognitive theories; (6) University of Florida, where Gordon uses the concept of the parent-educator; (7) Far West Lab, where Nimnicht relies on the autotelic discovery approach; and (8) Education Development Center, where Armington follows on action-oriented approach. Evaluation will involve comparison of the development of children participating in the above programs with that of children attending regular Head Start programs within the same community or in a similar community. (MH)