A Senate hearing was convened for the purpose of receiving testimony on the reauthorization of the Head Start program on the occasion of the 25th anniversary of the program's implementation. Opening and prepared statements providing background information are followed by reports of the arguments of three groups of concerned parties in favor of reauthorization. Those testifying included representatives from the Administration Association, the Committee for Economic Development; and others. Recounting past successes, ongoing efforts to improve the program, and future plans, officials requested that the program be continued. Particular attention was given to the success of participating parents for whom Head Start was the gateway to upward mobility and also to the success of young adults who participated in the program in childhood. This testimony is supplemented by reports of research that identifies characteristic features of successful intervention programs in the fields of health, early childhood education, and social services. Viewpoints on the importance of investment in early childhood education were also offered by the National Alliance of Business and the Children's Defense Fund. Testimony of the National Treasury Employees Union focused on federal responsibility for program monitoring is also included. (RH)