Increasing needs of families have prompted Head Start organizations to build partnerships with businesses, schools, and health care agencies to better serve their clients. This report examines the efficacy of such partnerships and provides guidance for developing similar collaborations. The first chapter of the report explains why Head Start is so well-suited to partnerships, noting that because of its mission to provide comprehensive services, Head Start has always taken a collaborative approach. This chapter also notes recommendations for organizations considering partnerships with Head Start, such as learning about Head Start's decision-making structure, its components, its service delivery methods, and its staff and parents. The second chapter presents profiles of 12 successful partnerships with a variety of service organizations in communities across the country. The partnerships described highlight many critical concerns of Head Start children and families, including child care; adult education, training, and job placement; health and mental health services; nutrition services; partnerships with private businesses; male involvement in Head Start programs; and family support. The third chapter of the report identifies emergent partnerships that indicate promising results. These partnerships have been in service for less than 3 years, but are recognized as exemplary in the areas of employment and education, early intervention, mental health, and family support for incarcerated females. The fourth chapter provides practical advice for creating successful partnerships. Critical steps are outlined for beginning and maintaining partnerships, such as evaluating potential partners, identifying short- and long-term goals, creating an agreement, and evaluating the program. The report's concluding section notes some characteristics common to all the diverse partnerships profiled. Appendices contain a glossary, an information form querying about partnership efforts, and a National Head Start Association membership response form. (AS)