In this book, Bernard van Leer Foundation programs in Israel that combined early childhood education and community development approaches across a 10-year period are described. Chapter (1) provide an introduction; (2) discuss the evolution of this combined approach, its theoretical roots in the separate disciplines of early childhood education and community development, and the interlinking of the two; (3) trace the work of the Foundation in Israel; (4) provide a case study of the Ofakim project, an early education and community development project in a development town; (5) discuss strategies and tactics of intervention for social change and empowerment; (6) describe the role of local women paraprofessionals, their selection, training, and status in their communities; (7) describe the wide range of home visiting programs in Foundation-supported projects in Israel; (8) illustrate the variety of programs which can be organized outside the home in community-based early childhood projects/programs in clinics, family day care centers, parent-run cooperative nurseries, community-based preschool provision, enrichment and activity centers, and resource and training centers; and (9) discuss the Foundation's dissemination projects. Appendix 1 provides an encapsulated description of the major projects in Israel supported by the Bernard van Leer Foundation in the past and at present. Appendix 2 discusses the background to educational disadvantage in Israel. (RH)