The objectives of the research project described in this report are: (1) to determine if there have been changes in local educational and health institutions relevant to the objectives of Project Head Start; (2) to determine if local Head Start centers were influential in bringing about relevant changes in community institutions; (3) to analyze how Head Start was involved in the institutional change process; and (4) to describe the different impacts on community institutions of various Head Start characteristics and approaches. Field research was undertaken in a national sample composed of 58 communities with full-year Head Start programs and seven communities with little exposure to Head Start. Intensive studies in 42 of the Head Start communities revealed that individuals and groups associated with Head Start programs had been involved in bringing about changes in health and educational institutions. A total of 1,496 changes consistent with Head Start goals and philosophies were identified. Examples of changes are: increased involvement of the poor with institutions, greater employment of local people in paraprofessional occupations, more educational emphasis on the particular needs of the poor and minorities, and modification of health services and practices to serve the poor more effectively. (Author/NH)