A short-term descriptive assessment, this study provides summary data on the Parent-Child Center (PCC) comprehensive early childhood intervention programs initiated in 1967 and operated by the Administration for Children, Youth, and Families. PCCs provide low income families with children under three with social service, health, and educational assistance. The assessment (1) reviews and synthesizes research literature on PCCs, (2) collects descriptive information on all PCCs, (3) assesses in-depth nine PCCs to obtain comprehensive program and client data, and information concerning best practices, and (4) presents options for future program evaluation and monitoring. All information was tabulated and analyzed to assess program practices against indicators of program quality; to describe program strengths and weaknesses; and to identify future program options. Areas covered in the study include methodology; findings (particularly those affecting the community and the organization), education components; health, nutrition, and social services; comparison of critical program variables for early intervention programs and PCC programs (particularly, variables of the grantee or operating agency, program direction and staff, delivery system, center-based program, length of program intervention, parent involvement and education, health and social services, program strengths and "best practices," and program changes desired and limitations on effectiveness); and conclusions. An appendix lists the names and locations of all Parent Child Centers. (DST)