The federal government's historical commitment to sponsor and encourage research and evaluation in Head Start and Early Head Start programs has generated a large body of research on the effects of these programs on child and family outcomes. To-date, this research has shown that both Head Start and Early Head Start programs provide educational, economic, health and other social benefits to children and families participating in the programs.

The Office of Planning, Research and Evaluation (OPRE) is a unit within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services' Administration for Children and Families (ACF). OPRE is responsible for advising the Assistant Secretary for Children and Families on increasing the effectiveness and efficiency of programs to improve the economic and social well-being of children and families.

In collaboration with ACF program offices and others, OPRE is responsible for performance management for ACF, conducts research and policy analyses, and develops and oversees research and evaluation projects to assess program performance and inform policy and practice. The Office provides guidance, analysis, technical assistance, and oversight to ACF programs on: strategic planning; performance measurement; research and evaluation methods; statistical, policy, and program analysis; and synthesis and dissemination of research and demonstration findings.

For information on current and previous research on Head Start and Early Head Start programs, please go to: http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/opre/index.html