This is a description of the Early Childhood Evaluation Unit (ECEU), which was established as a unified, comprehensive means of conducting evaluation and research activities regarding Early Childhood Programs in the School District of Philadelphia. Its responsibilities include fulfilling the evaluation requirements stipulated by federal, state, or municipal funding sources. The ECEU is committed to the goals of: (1) providing information useful for all levels of program decision-making regarding the major early childhood programs in the school district; (2) contributing to data-based policy determination regarding early childhood efforts at local, state, and federal levels; and (3) serving the advancement of knowledge regarding effective early childhood programs. Included are brief descriptions of: priorities, organization and staff functions. The appendix contains a list of rankings of educational priorities derived from the responses of the Early Childhood Program Directors. (Author/MS)