The purpose of this paper is to explore questions about the effects of Head Start. Among these questions are the following: What is Head Start? What are the short-term and long-term effects of Head Start education? Does Head Start meet the expectations of No Child Left Behind (NCLB)? The methodology used to answer the research questions was a review of the literature. Key words were used to search for appropriate resources, and metacognitive skills were applied in reading and analyzing resources to identify the themes. The literature review results indicate that Head Start has many positive effects. The short-term effects of Head Start include increased cognitive outcomes, while the long-term effects include lower crime rates and increased earnings for Head Start participants. The short term effects help to prepare students to be successful in school, a goal of NCLB. However, no research could be found indicating that Head Start is an evidence-based program or that evidence-based practices are used. Integrating practices from NCLB evidence-based programs, such as Early Reading First and Even Start, may further enhance Head Start program outcomes. Rigorous research on Head Start should be conducted, particularly in the areas of cognitive gains and parental involvement, in order to provide additional information on program outcomes.