The Framework outlines the essential areas of development and learning that are to be used by Head Start programs to establish school readiness goals for their children, monitor children's progress, align curricula, and conduct program planning. It does not provide specific benchmarks or levels of accomplishment for children to achieve during their time in Head Start. The Framework reflects the legislative mandates of the Improving Head Start for School Readiness Act of 2007 and current research in child development and learning. The Framework also reflects Head Start's core value to promote all aspects of child development and learning in early childhood programs. This Framework is a revision of the Head Start Child Outcomes Framework that was issued in 2000. (author abstract)