This guide provides states, local agencies, policy makers, and early childhood service providers with an understanding of the provisions of two laws, the reauthorization of Head Start and the reauthorization of the Elementary Secondary Education Act (ESEA). It presents background information and important issues on early childhood care and education from research and development. The guide is organized into five broad tenets that have emerged from public discourse on the topic of early childhood care and education and that formed the core of the federal laws. The five tenets are as follows: (1) young children and their families need services that are family-focused, comprehensive, and integrated; (2) families need to be involved in their children's early education; (3) early childhood programs and services need to be of high quality; (4) programs and services for young children and families need to reach more people; and (5) special attention needs to be paid to the transition periods in a young child's life. The program leader's checklist in each chapter suggests areas where local program leaders can take action. A list of 19 suggested resources is included. (AP)