FACES 2003 Research Brief: Children's Outcomes and Program Quality in Head Start

Publication Date: December 15, 2006
Current as of:

Introduction

The Head Start Family and Child Experiences Survey (FACES) provides longitudinal data on a periodic basis on the characteristics, experiences, and outcomes of children and families served by Head Start as well as the characteristics of the Head Start programs that serve them. Each round of FACES is a study with a nationally representative sample of Head Start children and their families. Data collection for the first FACES cohort began in fall of 1997 and for the second cohort in fall of 2000. Data collection for the most recent FACES cohort began in the fall of 2003. This cohort includes a nationally representative sample of approximately 2,400 newly entering 3- and 4-year-old children and their families from 63 Head Start programs.

The FACES data provide information for the Head Start program on important aspects of outcomes, quality, and practices. This Research Brief summarizes key findings related to children’s outcomes and program quality from FACES 2003.