This monograph presents ideas for initiating and/or improving parent education programs. The first of eight sections examines the history of California's parent education since its beginning in 1926. Section 2 discusses developing a parent education philosophy; activities suitable for parent education programs are suggested. Section 3 provides guidelines for program development. Development includes determining community needs, putting the program into action, and establishing parent education classes. Various types of parent education classes are described. The fourth section examines the advantages of schools and/or other locations for the class site selection. Section 5 lists basic equipment needed for childbirth education or preschool education classes. Section 6 considers the selection of teachers, qualities of effective teachers, the use of teacher aides, and involvement of students. Section 7 suggests instructional unit titles which can be used in organizing the curriculum. The final section discusses working with schools for future planning. (CSS)