Reviews several issues pertaining to the relationship between child development and social or public policy, including educational policy and practice, the growth of professional associations, federal interventions, applied research needs, and professional training. Introduces the articles in the journal issue. (AYC)

Contrasts two images of policymaking and their implications for the goals, content, and methods of graduate programs in child development. Reviews potential roles of child development specialists, curricular considerations, and the importance of field-experience. Recommends a pluralistic approach combining disciplinary and professional emphases…