In 1989 the Head Start Bureau committed to the development of 24 Comprehensive Child Development Research Programs across the United States. These new programs were different than previous initiatives. They were designed to support families with young children by offering comprehensive services through a coordinated service delivery model. These models utilized existing community resources and emphasized family strengths and family empowerment. Project EAGLE was one of these original programs.

Because of its experience and success in working with young children and families, Project EAGLE was selected in 1995 to become one of the first Early Head Start programs in the country and one of only 17 Early Head Start sites for the national research. Early Head Start Programs work with families where there is a pregnant woman or child(ren) between zero and three years of age living in the home. Early Head Start programs were funded in response to research that demonstrates the importance of the early years and the earlier a child and/or family has their needs addressed, the more likely they are to succeed. In 1999, Project EAGLE expanded to become a Kansas Early Head Start program, providing continuity of services from prenatal care until the child reaches age four.

EAGLE stands for "Early Action and Guidance Leading to Empowerment of Families." Project EAGLE Early Head Start is currently funded to serve 200 children annually.