Abstract
Head Start has served as a model of comprehensive services for young children in both the United States and the world's developing countries. In this article, we compared Head Start with generally accepted principles underlying early childhood programs in developing countries. Comparisons revealed several areas of similarity, such as the historical backgrounds and rationales for the programs, a holistic approach to child development, and the comprehensive nature of early childhood services. Notwithstanding the similarities, a stark area of difference lay in the credence given to children's rights, as the basis of international early childhood programs, compared with a complete absence of such an acknowledgement nationally. Head Start's role as a national and world laboratory is discussed.