AbstractThis article describes a neighborhood‐based program designed to enhance the child‐rearing roles, knowledge, and skills of parents of very young children. The program emphasizes the development of peer social networks and uses small discussion groups as its primary delivery system. The effort is based in a low‐income neighborhood in a Detroit suburb. The article describes the program's theoretical framework, design, and operations. Particular attention is given to the functioning of the parent groups. The article also examines program practices and experiences that appear to have been important in the development of a responsive relationship between the program's staff and its participants and the community. These include (a) initial integration into the community, (b) maintenance of the integrity of community‐based paraprofessional roles, (c) the process by which parents are recruited, and (d) staff roles and compe