| Note: |
This data collection may not be used for any purpose other than statistical reporting and analysis. Use of these data to learn the identity of any person or establishment is prohibited.
Public Use Files: The Head Start Impact Study documentation is public use and is available for download. Documentation includes the User Guide, Data Collection Instruments and Codebooks (available in plain text, PDF and HTML formats).
Restricted Use Files: To protect respondent privacy, the Head Start Impact Study data are restricted from general dissemination. Access to parts of this study requires a signed User Agreement. To obtain the file(s), researchers must agree to the terms and conditions of the Restricted Data Use Agreement, which is included with every download and can also be obtained separately on the Browse Documentation page.
On February 23, 2011, Research Connections hosted a Webinar Data Training conducted by Westat, Inc. staff that introduced the HSIS data collection. Topics covered included HSIS Instruments, Data File Structure, Tips for Working with the Data and more. The recorded Webinar is now available for download (select "Other Data" from the download page) and can also be viewed directly from our website (link). All other materials from the online training can be accessed by clicking here (link). |
| Research Design: |
The study was designed to separately examine two cohorts of children, newly entering three- and four-year-olds. This design reflects the hypothesis that different program impacts may be associated with different age of entry into Head Start. Differential impacts were of particular interest in light of a trend of increased enrollment of the three-year-olds in some grantee/delegate agencies presumably due to the growing availability of preschool options for four-year-olds. Consequently, the study included two separate samples: a newly entering three-year-old group (to be studied through two years of Head Start participation i.e., Head Start year and age four year, kindergarten and first grade), and a newly entering four-year-old group (to be studied through one year of Head Start participation, kindergarten and first grade). Baseline data was collected through parent interviews and child assessments in fall 2002. Data collection included annual spring child assessments, parent interviews, teacher surveys, and teacher-child ratings. In addition, during the preschool years only, data collection included classroom/family day care observations, center director interviews, care provider interviews, and care provider-child ratings. Outcome measures were developed in four domains: child cognitive development, child social-emotional development, health, and parenting practices. |
