The handbook describes the Home Start Training Center's approach to serving Head Start families. Much of the program is focused on the Portage Project and on early intervention efforts for preschoolers. The first of the major parts of the handbook presents an overview of the approach, reviewing the philosophy of parent-focused home-based programming, and offering suggestions for planning and implementing the home visit. The section on skill development presents information on structured activities, informal activities and parent education activities, task analysis, and reporting. The third section of the manual presents the center's handouts, training designed for use by home visitors and supervisors. Handouts address such topics as parent involvement, screening, curriculum planning, and family action plans. (CL)