A model designed to ease the transition for handicapped students from Head Start programs to public school settings is described. The model could also be adapted for transition from any private preschool to the public school setting for special needs children. The need for increased understanding between public school and Head Start program personnel regarding programing, eligibility, criteria, guidelines, mandates, and documentation needs is emphasized. To meet this need, a self-assessment instrument was developed. Data from the self-assessment illustrates responsibilities to each agency and promotes cooperation. Strategies to facilitate linking with the public schools are outlined and information that should be available to the schools is listed, including information from summaries of former Headstart Children. (A model time line reflecting the school calendar year, the self-assessment instrument, and a diagram showing agency inter-relationships are included.) (CL)