The Head Start Family and Child Experiences Survey (FACES), launched in Spring 1997, is an integral part of Head Start's system of Program Performance Measures, an outcome-oriented accountability system examining the quality and effects of Head Start, by annually collecting data on a nationally representative sample of programs, classrooms, teacher, parents, and children. This pamphlet presents information based on data collected in Spring 1997, Fall 1997, and Spring 1998. Data were collected using the Early Childhood Environment Rating Scale, the Amett Scale of Caregiver Behavior, the Peabody Picture Vocabulary Test, Third Edition, selected scales from the Woodcock Johnson Psycho-Educational Battery-Revised, a social skills scale, and the Child Observation Rating. Findings are presented in three areas: classroom quality; benefits to children; and benefits to families. Among the findings highlighted are the following: (1) Head Start classrooms have higher quality than most center-based early childhood programs; (2) among classroom strengths are the schedule, atmosphere, provisions for parents, and provisions for children with special needs; (3) benefits to children included significant growth in vocabulary, improvement in social skills and relationships, and gains in school readiness; (4) benefits to families included their reading to children, involving children in family activities, actively participating in their children's Head Start activities, and being satisfied with the program. The pamphlet concludes with a description of additional Head Start initiatives to apply the research findings and sources for additional information. (KB)