This handbook is a response to the information problems that may arise in the planning of a Head Start program. It is especially designed for use in San Mateo County, California. It purports to bring together an explanation of the requirements for Head Start programs and suggests how these requirements might best be met with the resources available. Part one of the handbook provides information concerning the requirements of the Office of Economic Opportunity for the conduct of Head Start programs and a review of some of the activities carried on in behalf of the 1966 summer program in San Mateo County. Part one is subdivided into five chapters: (1) Introduction, (2) Administration, (3) The People of the Program, (4) Other Aspects of Head Start, and (5) Parent Participation. Part two presents the background and results of the comparative and evaluational studies of the overall San Mateo County Head Start program. Several different theories of preschool education were experimented with during the program. The evaluation tells about the gains of the program. Part two is divided into three chapters: (6) Evaluation Measures, (7) Evaluation, and (8) Comparative Study. Appendix A provides a bibliography of preschool education; Appendix B, some sample forms used to collect information on the Head Start children; and Appendix C, some additional statistical tables. (WD)