The High/Scope Educational Research Foundation joined other Research Centers on Head Start Quality (RCHSQs) to define, assess, and verify the effectiveness of high-quality Head Start program practices. Site-specific research was conducted in collaboration with local Head Start agencies to identify local issues and problems, assist in the development of a local database and program monitoring system, and provide feedback to assist Head Start staff in program development and quality improvement activities. The High/Scope Quality Research Consortium (QRC) prepared for cross-cutting research by generating hypotheses related to Head Start policy and practice at the national level, and addressed sampling, instrumentation, data collection, and analysis issues in pilot-tests of research design and methodology. Observations and input received from Head Start staff, parents, and community members provided the basis for the issues and problems being studied.