The objective of the New England Research Center on Head Start Quality (NERCHSQ) was to pursue integrated research studies designed to identify indicators of Head Start quality. The Education Development Center, Inc. collaborated with the Harvard University Graduate School of Education, the Boston College School of Education, the Massachusetts Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children, the Regional Head Start Office, and Head Start programs throughout the Northeast to develop the NERCHSQ. The research examined the ways in which demographic changes, such as immigration and shifts in poverty, affect program quality. Head Start managers' awareness of and response to demographic changes were examined as well as patterns of interaction and oral language used within classrooms and across program components. A combination of integrated observational studies, action research, and longitudinal examination of children and families were utilized to identify indicators of program quality. Coding systems were developed to rate classroom features and home environments, and to track child development and family functioning. The research teams were composed of Head Start staff and parents. Observational and interview instruments measuring language and social skills were developed and pilot-tested, and later used to chart child development, family well being, and support for child development. The center identified clusters of potential measures used in monitoring program functions, and addressed enhancement of current database capabilities.