These proceedings consist of: a brief opening address by Ms. Val Emerson, Director of the Virginia Division for Children and Youth; a keynote address, "Perspectives on the Family," by Dr. Earl S. Schaefer of the University of North Carolina; and a dialogue on "Programs and Practices for Professionals Working With Parents" by Dr. Ann O'Keefe, Director of the Family Program, U.S. Navy, and by Ms. Florence Seguin, Training Specialist for Children First, Inc. Also included is a short list of resources for parenting. Dr. Schaefer's address contrasts two views or approaches to the problems of children and their education: the individualistic perspective and the socio-ecological perspective. He proposes that we move towards the latter perspective, one which focuses on the total social environment of the family and community, rather than just on the child-professional relationship. He emphasizes the importance of working with parents, and of improving their abilities to foster their children's development and education. The dialogue by Dr. O'Keefe and Ms. Seguin expands on aspects of Dr. Schaefer's talk concerning the need to create parent-professional partnerships, what such partnerships mean, and practical suggestions for creating them. (SS)