Almost exactly 10 years ago Project Head Start was born out of the federal government's "War on Poverty." For the first time, a comprehensive program of services for young children (3-, 4-, and 5-year-olds) and their families was launched nation-wide. The years since then have been marked by intense activity in early childhood education. Never before has there been such a proliferation of programs designed specifically for preschool children. Never before has there been such a concern for the rights and needs of the young child on the part of educators, parents, public agencies, organizations, and the federal government. - Introduction.