There is a lack of information about the problems of underclass people and the effects of their situation on their children. Views on this issue were sought from young corporate and community leaders. The responses showed a high level of concern and a need for more knowledge about the effectiveness of early intervention programs for these high-risk children. Evidence and arguments are presented to begin the development of a national strategy for this population. The chapters are the following: (1) "Early Childhood Programs for Children in Poverty: A Good Place to Start" (Bernice Weissbourd, Carol Emig); (2) "Early Intervention in Cognitive Development As a Strategy for Reducing Poverty" (James Garbarino); (3) "Our Nation's Youngest Children: Who They Are and How They Are Cared For" (Eleanor S. Szanton); (4) "Recent Developments in Infant and Child Health: Health Status, Insurance Coverage and Trends in Public Health Policy" (Sara Rosenbaum); (5) "Poverty, Family, and The Black Experience" (James Comer); (6) "Equal Opportunity for Infants and Young Children: Preventive Services for Children in a Multi-Risk Environment" (Stanley Greenspan); (7) "Breaking the Cycle of Disadvantage: New Knowledge, New Tools, New Urgency" (Lisbeth B. Schorr); and (8) "Giving Children a Chance: What Role Community-Based Early Parenting Interventions?" (Judith Musick, Robert Halpern). The appendix, "Investing in Prevention: Tomorrow's Leaders and the Problem of Poverty" (Peter D. Hart) is a report on the problem of poverty prepared for the Center for National Policy. Brief biographies of the authors are provided. (VM)