This paper presents an overview of the Early Head Start program. The objective of the Early Head Start program is to enhance the cognitive, social and emotional development of low-income children, including children on federally-recognized reservations and children of migratory farm workers, through the provision of comprehensive health, educational, nutritional, social and other services and to involve parents in their children's learning and to help parents make progress toward their educational, literacy and employment goals. Head Start also emphasizes the significant involvement of parents in the administration of their local Head Start programs. This overview provides the following as they relate to the Early Head Start program: (1) Funding Table; (2) Objectives; (3) Activities; (4) Characteristics; (5) Delivery Schedule; (6) Environmental Review Compliance; (7) Measures; (8) Monitoring and Evaluation; (9) Transparency; (10) Accountability; (11) Barriers to Effective Implementation; and (12) Federal Infrastructure. (Contains 2 tables.)