This monograph provides an account of the work done in the village placement project of the Department of Child Development of the Maharaja Sayajirao University of Baroda, India from 1976-77 to 1984-85. Chapter 1 offers an overview of major problems of children and women in India. It emphasizes the need for rural development programs and the emerging role of home scientists, especially the child development worker in community development. Chapter 2 discusses the village placement project in detail. Discussion covers objectives, framework, and the work carried out in the village of Pipli by the department team. Chapter 3 describes the long-term integrated rural program of the department in the village of Sangma from 1977-84. Discussion concerns the orientation program, the needs of various groups in Sangma, and work carried out during the period in components concerning the preschool, primary school, women, and community at large. Chapter 4 deals with the rural program at Lakshmipura, describing the role of the department team in working with children, women, and community, and emphasizing the importance of community involvement. Chapter 5 focuses on research activities that were an integral part of the program. Chapter 6 reviews the rural program, giving an account of some of the achievements, problems, and lessons learned from it. (RH)