This handbook seeks to help Head Start parent involvement coordinators clarify their role and explore new ways to do their job well. In chapter one, a history of parent involvement in Head Start is presented. Chapter two focuses on roles, relationships, and duties of the parent involvement coordinator. Chapter three explores staff attitudes towards parents, while chapter four deals with the basic tasks of parent involvement. Chapters five through eight focus on ways in which coordinators can promote parents' participation in each of four forums - decision-making groups, the classroom, parent activity groups, and the home. Chapter nine provides guidance on writing a parent involvement plan. In chapter ten, the basic elements of the required communications system are discussed. Chapters eleven and twelve suggest methods for documenting and evaluating parent involvement. Chapter thirteen closes the handbook with some thoughts about how Head Start can affect families. Appended are suggestions for further reading and for finding resources in the community as well as lists of organizations providing information and materials for parent and child educators and those serving parents and children with special needs. (RH)