The booklet is a curriculum model for educating foster parents and group home personnel who work with mentally retarded individuals. The first chapter discusses the need for training. Subsequent chapters explore course development and presentation of topics, with emphasis on the importance of the approach the training should take and the rationale for the curriculum. Twelve topics are presented in chapters which outline the learning objectives, discussion stimulants, and resources (references are included). The chapters have the following titles: "Orientation to Mental Retardation"; "Maintaining Healthy Environments, Providing Emergency Care"; "Fire and Safety Considerations"; "Administrative Responsibilities"; "Elements to be Considered in Programming"; "Normalization";"Managing Behavior"; "Leisure Time Recreational"; "Educational Considerations"; "Community Placement"; "Realtionships with Natural Families"; and "Thoughts on Sexuality". (PHR)