This paper reviews research on parent education programs in which training efforts were focused on low income mothers. Three model strategies for training low income parents are identified: (1) individual consultation, in which a parent consultant works on a one-to-one basis with the parent-child dyad, usually in the home; (2) group consultation, in which the parent educator works with several parents simultaneously, often at an early childhood center; and (3) a combination of the two. Several studies assessing the effects of each model on parent-child functioning are discussed. Also included is a discussion incorporating research evidence and the author's informal observations on four topics: (1) characteristics of effective parent education programs, (2) effects of these programs on parent and child behavior, (3) characteristics of parents who benefit from such programs, and (4) differential effects of various programs on parent populations having varied characteristics. A six-page bibliography is included. (JMB)