Linked with professional development programs to support the implementation of Te Whariki, the national early childhood curriculum in New Zealand, a project was designed to: (1) construct a framework for assessment and evaluation in early childhood programs in Aotearoe-New Zealand; and (2) use this framework to develop an evaluation process through an action research trial in six early childhood centers. This report sets the context of the research project, outlines the theoretical foundations and the methodological approach, summarizes and synthesizes the data, and suggests some overview issues and implications for self-evaluation processes in early childhood centers. The action research trial used learning and teaching stories, narrative reflections used by teachers and practitioners to assess children and evaluate programs within their own centers over the course of one year. The trial found that center staff varied in their knowledge and confidence about Te Whariki. The learning and teaching story framework was useful in understanding the curriculum, and using the framework changed staff behaviors with, and attitudes toward, children and parents. Involving management and large number of parents in the process proved administratively complex. The project served to expand on the idea that evaluation of early childhood programs should be grounded in quality from the child's perspective. A number of key features of the action research process, as a process for self-evaluation, emerged. (Ten appendices include a project flyer, information on research dissemination, links between evaluation projects, and an outline of the assessment/evaluation framework. Contains 78 references.) (KB)