Head Start Impact Study: Technical Report

Publication Date: January 15, 2010
Current as of:

Introduction

This Technical Report of the Head Start Impact Study is the result of several years of design, data collection, and analysis. We gratefully acknowledge the contributions and dedication of individuals and organizations in the preparation and production of this report. A special thanks to Dr. Jennifer Brooks, the Federal Project Officer, for her expert leadership and vision.

There were those who were worried that random assignment and subsequent data collection efforts would be difficult, if not impossible to implement. Study staff have done a tremendous job in meeting these challenges to ensure the success of the study. Moreover, the partnership and support from the National Head Start Association, Head Start Grantees and Delegate Agencies and their center staff, as well as the study children’s elementary schools and their staff were instrumental in the successful implementation of this study. The ongoing backing of the Head Start Bureau and Regional Office staff was critical to the recruitment process. A special thank you is extended to all the families and their children who participated in the study. Their continued contributions of time and information during the data collection years have been exceptional and greatly appreciated.

We also want to thank the many external experts who helped us along the way, particularly the members of the Advisory Committee on Head Start Research and Evaluation. Your wisdom about sample design, measures, program, policy, and analytic challenges has helped formulate the design and analysis presented in the report.

Finally, we gratefully acknowledge the staff from Westat, Chesapeake Research Associates, Abt Associates, Ronna Cook Associates, Urban Institute, and American Institutes for Research for their hard work, professionalism and dedication to the project. We also wish to thank Decision Information Resources, Inc., for their assistance in the data collection.

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