David, 

As a technical advisor for family literacy programs for the last ten years,
I have seen many adults with barriers to participation in adult education.

 What has worked with these adults include:
1.  Developmentally appropriate early education [NOT child care] for all
children in the family.
2.  Transportation
3.  Mental health counselors on campus
4.  Adult educators who are aware of and practice effective strategies for
teaching adults
5.  Respect for the students and their families.  Not looking at a deficit
model, but a strengths model.
6. Providing time for both adults and children to practice their literacy
skills together.

All this takes money which is why Even Start funding is so crucial.  It does
change the intergenerational attitude about literacy.  I have seen moms
graduate from college with children who lead their classes.  The change in
families is extraordinay and permanent.

Sarah