This guide is designed primarily for use by personnel involved in North Dakota public school programs for preschool-age handicapped children (ages 3-5). It is also intended to provide parents and personnel in health, human services, and other child service agencies with an understanding of the scope and purpose of educational services for young handicapped children and their families. It begins with a review of the underlying philosophy and history of such services in North Dakota and provides a reprint of the state's regulations governing eligibility, placement, teacher qualifications, and facilities. A section on program planning discusses goals and objectives, the range of available service delivery options, services to families and family involvement, staffing, and administration. Identification and programming is covered in another section that describes the Child Find system, the assessment process, and individualized education plans. Appendices provide: (1) descriptions of theoretical models in curricula and assessment; (2) classroom organization guidelines; (3) lists of educational materials and toys for handicapped preschoolers with names and addresses of manufacturers/suppliers; (4) descriptions of basic assessment tools and screening instruments; (5) lists of self-help groups and voluntary organizations in medical genetics and maternal and child health; and (6) a pamphlet on transition to school-age programs. (VW)