This manual presents Missouri state guidelines for its surrogate parent program, required by the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (P.L. 94-142), and currently under development in Missouri. An introductory chapter reviews the program's current status, outlines the surrogate parent role, and notes special considerations for students between ages 18 and 21 and limits of surrogate parent liability. The second chapter looks at responsibilities of the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DSEA) and the state law on surrogate parents. The third chapter details the process of implementing a local surrogate parent program. It addresses: the role of the local education agency (LEA) surrogate parent program coordinator; identifying students who need surrogate parents; defining the terms "parent" and "acting as a parent"; eligibility of students residing in a private facility; LEA responsibility in student identification; and selection, recruitment, and training of surrogate parents. The fourth chapter gives guidelines for assigning surrogate parents to eligible children including appointment of a surrogate parent, steps in the assignment process, and surrogate parent termination. Among 11 appendices are commonly asked questions, a flow chart for surrogate procedures, charts of LEA and DSEA responsibilities and procedures; a statement of surrogate parent rights and responsibilities; the text of the Missouri statute; and four sample forms and letters. (DB)