This work consists of an experience in the integration of teaching and practice, covering pratice, teaching and research. The experience was initiated in 1974 by a group of teachers of Pediatric Nursing of the Departament of Nursing of the Escola Paulista de Medicina. The philosophy adopted is that of Prof. Robert Debre (founder of the Centre international de l'Enfance) which entails "an individualized technique and an accompanying attitude in a preventative and curative gesture that results in the total care of the child". The methodology applied includes cientific-pedagogic and community intervention techniques. With the developemente of the work, there has been a demonstrated improvement in the level of health and social standing of the community. As a clinical setting, it has offered students over the years an oportunity to participate in total care of the child and family in the community, the development of new areas of care, educational programs, and epidemiological and nutritional surveillance. The level of assistance provided has been monitored via reserch projects. The work fultills the objectives of the World Health Organization (WHO) of "Health for all by the year 2000"
