This monograph considers the effects of the family on the intellectual and personal development of the child, and the effects of culture upon the family's way of life, and thus, on the child. In a survey of early compensatory education projects, university based programs, and school and community programs are described. Program organizational questions discussed are: locus of control, location of service, purposes and goals, and use of personnel. A status report of parental participation in compensatory education is given and program content for parental involvement is discussed, with emphasis on the importance of home visitation programs. The need for improved research and evaluation design and methods is stressed. (NH)