Head Start, the nation's largest early childhood intervention, has enjoyed public and political support. The program has also been haunted by persistent questions about its role in communities, its sustainable impacts, and its quality. This book discusses the past, present, and future of Head Start in the hope of creating better partnerships between government institutions and the staff and volunteers of the program. The book is divided into three sections. The first section discusses the program's achievements and its activities. Included in this section are chapters on images, both positive and negative, of Head Start; Head Start's strengths; and the program's history. The second section discusses models and strategies for Head Start in the 21st century. Included in this section are chapters on options for Head Start, the program's role in working with parents in general and fathers/men in particular, and the social conditions which challenge the program. The third section details specific issues facing the program. Included in this section is an overview of Head Start which discusses program quality, expansion issues, staff development, questions for evaluation and research, and recommendations for the future. Contains 208 references, many of which are annotated. (JW)