The Even Start program represents an innovative combination of programs for adult basic education, parenting education, and early childhood education. Focusing on parents and children as a unit, Even Start projects have three interrelated goals: (1) to help parents become full partners in the education of their children; (2) to assist children in reaching their full potential as learners; and (3) to provide literacy training for participating parents. This document is the second interim report of the National Even Start Evaluation. Data for this report, which is presented in eight chapters, reflect the operations and effectiveness of Even Start projects during the 1990-91 program year. Chapter 1 introduces the Even Start program and the national evaluation. Chapter 2 summarizes the study design and the evaluation activities that were conducted during 1990-91. Chapter 3 provides an overview of the activities that occurred in Even Start projects, and chapters 4 and 5 describe characteristics of Even Start participants and projects. Chapter 6 describes the nature and amount of services received by Even Start participants. A preliminary look at the effects of Even Start on participating families is presented in chapter 7. Chapter 8 draws conclusions based on the findings described in the report. An appendix containing in-depth studies of 10 local projects participating in the national Even Start program takes up about a third of this document. A second appendix provides information related to analyses of data collected by two assessment instruments used in the evaluation. (TJQ)