The Head Start Male Role Model Child Development Associate (CDA) Credential Program is based on the assumptions that men are valued as nurturers of small children; that low-income Black and Hispanic males can be successful as educators and role models to young children and other men; and that early childhood education can be a remunerative and satisfying career choice for men. The 1-year program consists of 9 quarter hours of study in child development coordinated through National-Louis University and work as a paid teacher aide for 20 hours per week in a Head Start Program. Of the first group of 10 participants, only two completed the program as structured. Problems included the students' failure to keep many agreements (being late or absent from class and work at Head Start sites, and not doing homework and necessary paperwork); students' below-average written language and math skills; and students' sense of being relegated to low-skill tasks. In addition, the community did not support the idea of men working with small children. To improve the program, which also had administrative problems, it was recommended that the coordinator-student relationship be strengthened, and the curriculum be revised to include orientation; outreach; activities focusing on the self-esteem, self-awareness, and commitment of the participants; and success-building in the classroom. (AC)