The paper describes the Family, Infant and Toddler (FIT) Project, designed to provide educational and supportive services to rural middle Tennessee families with young mentally retarded children. Noted are the project background (including sporadic outreach efforts) and conceptual orientation, and an ecological perspective which stresses the role of both the nuclear and extended family. Project goals include development of a demonstration service program, developing a replicable inservice training program for local professionals, and expanding educational services to young retarded children in rural areas. Program implementation has involved providing screening and evaluation services and a weekly 3 hour educational clinic for 21 children (mean age 17 months) and their parents in three locations. Clinic activities include group parent-child training, individualized parent-child training, home planning, and a parent-family training and discussion group. Additional clinics are offered periodically to involve members of the child's extended family. The inservice training programs for 23 local allied professionals in the three communities involve a 9 month program in 4 week cycles consisting of two half day seminars in the local community, a day of centralized training activities, and a half day practicum locally. The FIT project staff are also using the media to make the public more aware of the needs and resources available for young retarded children and providing technical assistance to local agencies. Continuation of the program through state, local, and private support is seen as evidence for its effectiveness. (DB)