This information booklet for parents answers some of the questions parents often ask about their children's participation in basic skills improvement programs. It suggests ways in which parents can support and reinforce the school's role and offers suggestions for parent involvement and ideas for at-home activities to support skill development. Children who live in eligible Chapter 1 attendance areas and whose test scores and other measures of achievement are below expectations for their grade levels are eligible for extra help in reading, writing, and mathematics. Money received from the federal government is used to support skills instruction and programs are administered by the State Department of Education. Parents can support the school's efforts by ensuring the child's physical and emotional well-being, and by encouraging learning and providing a supportive atmosphere. Developing a positive self-concept for the child is very important, and parents play a vital role. Activities for developing basic skills are outlined, centered in areas of oral communication, writing, reading, and mathematics. A checklist is provided for parents to rate their own participation in the schools. (SLD)