Written for residents of Alameda County, California, this guide to information, organizations, resources, and services related to parenting and children consists of numerous entries organized into four parts. Part 1 provides information to parents seeking child care. Part 2 suggests home learning and reading activities; lists libraries in the county; offers directions for art and music activities; briefly describes available art, music, dance, and theatre classes and programs; and provides information about television viewing, food, nutrition, and safety (this last regarding home, car, and traffic). Part 3 focuses on recreation, parks, and nature activities; car trips; and ecology. Discussion includes information about park and recreation departments, clubs, swimming pools, parks, camping sites, fishing regulations, sites of historical interest, museums, nature and animal preserves, and art and food trips. Suggestions for making use of recycling centers through ecology projects and trips are also made. Part 4 presents material on parenting, schools, family support services, children with special needs, housing and shelters, medical and health services, first aid, and emergency resources. Throughout the guide the addresses and phone numbers of organizations and services are given. For readers who want additional information and opportunities to become involved, lists of organizations, societies, and advocacy and other groups are provided for each area of content. (RH)