The unique characteristics of migrant and seasonal families are important concerns for the Office of Head Start, yet the research and evaluation efforts that address this segment of the Head Start program have been limited. This study was designed to ascertain the state of research knowledge about Migrant and Seasonal Head Start (MSHS) programs; assess the feasibility of a range of measures and research methods; and select and pilot test methods, instruments, and procedures appropriate for this population. The "Migrant and Seasonal Head Start Research Development Design Project" was the result of the collaboration between MSHS programs and the Administration for Children and Families (ACF) to determine viable methods for assessing the unique characteristics of programs while also examining common programmatic components. This report is meant to provide an overview of the issues in conducting research in these programs. Caution should be used in interpreting any specific results from this project because they are limited to the programs that participated in this project and thus should not be taken as being representative of all MSHS program therefore, very few specific details regarding responses to measures are presented in this executive summary. The information that is provided should improve future research efforts attempting to accurately describe programs, families, and children of the MSHS community. Membership of the Technical Work Group is appended. (Contains 2 figures, 3 tables, and 3 footnotes.)