This guidebook was developed to aid mothers who are attending school or training programs and also have preschool or school-age children at home, to find new approaches to their complicated life situations. Based on the experiences of 215 women in Allegheny County Pennsylvania (Pittsburgh), the booklet describes some of the problems they faced as they went through their educational programs, and shows some of the practical, workable ways in which they attacked their problems, i.e., their strategies. The guide is divided into two sections. Section 1 describes six "case histories" of women in various marital, family, income level, and social status situations (composites drawn from many women in these categories), and relates their problems with money, child care, relationships to husbands and other family members; it then shows how they are coping and makes suggestions about how they could attack their problems more effectively. Part 2 presents some ideas for women preparing to start an educational program. Topics covered include choosing a school or training program, financial help, child care, choosing a career, and support networks. Names and addresses of potentially helpful organizations, as well as suggested references, are provided. The book concludes with a list of model programs for school administrators, counselors, trainers, and teachers that address the needs of women. (KC)