Two purposes for early childhood assessment systems are informing program development and providing accountability. Based on findings from a case study of a local Head Start program implementing the National Reporting System (NRS) in 2004-2005, we provide 5 lessons learned from experiences with the NRS that may have implications for other assessment and accountability systems in early childhood programs. The lessons include (a) be intentional about the purposes of accountability and/or development, (b) design assessment and accountability systems so that the purposes fit with both the local and federal levels, (c) attempt to take ownership for assessment and accountability systems at the local level, (d) contextualize the assessed child outcomes, and (e) link program processes with child outcomes.