THE FAMILY IS FUNDAMENTAL TO THE CHILD'S DEVELOPMENT AND PARENTAL COOPERATION IN THE EDUCATION OF CHILDREN IS IMPORTANT. HOW TO INVOLVE PARENTS IN CHILD DEVELOPMENT CENTERS, BENEFICIAL TYPES OF PARENT PARTICIPATION, PRECAUTIONS TO BE TAKEN TO ASSURE THE SAFETY AND PROTECTION OF THE CHILDREN, AND SUPPLEMENTARY PARENT PROGRAMS ARE DISCUSSED. THE TEACHER SHOULD VISIT THE HOMES SOON AFTER THE CHILDREN ARE ACCEPTED FOR THE CENTER, AND SHOULD INVITE MOTHERS TO ACCOMPANY THEIR CHILDREN TO SCHOOL. INVOLVEMENT OF PARENTS FROM POVERTY AREAS IN PRESCHOOL PROGRAMS MAY REQUIRE SUCH SPECIAL EFFORTS AS DIRECT PERSONAL CONTACT BY CLERGYMEN OR NEIGHBORHOOD MERCHANTS. PROFESSIONAL STAFF MEMBERS MAY USE INFLUENTIAL PARENTS OR COMMUNITY LEADERS TO EXPLAIN THE PROGRAM TO PARENTS. SOME WAYS IN WHICH COOPERATION CAN BE OBTAINED ARE INDIVIDUAL CONFERENCES, PARENT MEETINGS, AND SPECIAL COMMITTEES. CENTERS SHOULD GIVE PARENTS SOME FORMAL VOICE IN ESTABLISHING AND OPERATING POLICIES AND PROGRAMS, AND IN DECISION MAKING. ALL PARENTS MAY PARTICIPATE IN THE PROGRAM AS PART- OR FULL-TIME EMPLOYEES OR AS VOLUNTEERS, EFFORTS SHOULD BE MADE TO UTILIZE AND CAPITALIZE ON THE SKILLS, TALENTS, AND UNUSUAL EXPERIENCES OF PARENTS. ADDITIONAL PLANNED INSTRUCTION MAY BE DESIREABLE TO SUPPLEMENT PROGRAMS IN WHICH PARENTS PARTICIPATE, EXAMPLES ARE WORK-STUDY PERIODS, GUEST LECTURES, FILMS, REPORTS, AND DISCUSSIONS ON ASSIGNED READINGS.