Although public acceptance of Head Start is high, public understanding of what the program does remains limited. Studies of Head Start to date have been insufficient in quantity and scope. In November 1994, the Roundtable on Head Start Research began a series of discussions of new directions for Head Start research. The roundtable looked at understudied aspects of the program. This report discusses the work of this roundtable and its examination of unexplored aspects of Head Start. Among the main issues discussed are the need to: (1) study family dynamics and development; (2) explore new possibilities for studying social and emotional development; (3) harvest local programmatic inventions; and (4) address mental health issues in Head Start. Following an introduction describing the Roundtable study group and the scope of this report, the chapters are: (1) "Studying Head Start's Families: General Themes"; (2) "Recognizing the Diversity of Children and Families in Head Start"; (3) "Examining Community-Head Start Collaborations"; (4) "Head Start Families in a Changing Economic Landscape"; and (5) "Extending the Benefits of Local Innovation." Appendices include excerpts from advisory committee reports and workshop agendas and speakers. Contains 20 references. (BGC)