Designed to help Head Start mental health coordinators incorporate mental health into all aspects of the program, this manual describes planning strategies, suggests activities, includes samples of forms successfully used by other programs, and lists resources. Part I discusses the meaning of mental health and shows the relationship between a holistic mental health approach and the Head Start model. Three levels of intervention (prevention, identification and referral, and treatment) are described and discussed in relation to the mental health of program staff and administrators, parents, and children. Part II focuses on the roles and responsibilities of the mental health coordinator and professional. This section considers the professional competencies and personal characteristics needed by mental health professionals; describes several possible staffing models; and offers information on the various mental health problems Head Start staff may encounter. Part III presents a process for developing a mental health plan that includes five steps: (1) establish a philosophy; (2) gather information; (3) develop the plan, including goals, performance standards, activities, timelines, and documentation procedures; (4) implement the plan; and (5) evaluate the plan. Each part of the text concludes with sample forms, instructions for activities, guidelines, and information sheets. Appendixes contain Head Start Mental Health Program and other relevant performance standards; a 102-item bibliography; and a list of useful journals and organizations. (AC)