Two booklets, "A Blueprint for Iowa's Young: Implementation Directions for the Framework Paper," and "Investing in Families, Prevention and School Readiness: Working Draft of a Framework Paper" present a framework for creation of a blueprint for implementation and management of community investment initiatives. The framework is based upon a careful analysis of current public spending and on effective prevention services. It focuses on families with very young children and provides a rational strategy for improving the school readiness (across health, development, safety, and social dimensions) of Iowa children who currently are not likely to start school ready to learn. The strategy of the initiative is to build upon existing effective and voluntary prevention and wellness programs that: (1) focus upon high-opportunity families with very young children; and (2) offer comprehensive guidance and support through home visits and other activities to stress and develop parental responsibility and work to improve family self-sufficiency and child development. The community strategy is to make most decisions regarding the design and implementation of the initiative at the neighborhood and community level. The first booklet outlines the principles that govern initiative design and offers initiative design guidance. Chapter 1 of the second booklet introduces the rationale behind early investment in children. Chapter 2 draws a connection between potentially preventable poor outcomes in the early years and subsequent public expenditures. Chapter 3 identifies problems and suggests solutions for improving the well-being of Iowa's youngest children. Chapter 4 examines the issues involved in developing a blueprint for initiatives. Appendix I presents estimates of current public spending on children and families and Appendix II presents current investments in prevention in the early years to High Opportunity Families. A brochure and 2 informational flyers present information relating to "A Blueprint for Iowa's Young Children." (AA)