This source book on the philosophy, goals, and techniques of group parent education provides detailed and practical guidelines for setting up and conducting discussion groups for parents and expectant parents. Attention is also given to groups for parents whose children are physically or emotionally handicapped, unwed mothers, and adoptive parents. Considerable stress is put on the group experience of parents from low socioeconomic and educational backgrounds. Much first hand evidence is furnished on how parents can, and do, use educational group programs geared to their immediate situations and present needs. Appendixes include an outline for interviewing prospective participants, group records, and sample schedules of training institutes; there is a list of recommended readings. (ly)