The Family Support Act of 1988 requires each state to set up a Job Opportunities and Basic Skills Program (JOBS) to provide a work/education/training program for recipients of Aid to Families with Dependent Children (AFDC) by October 1, 1990. The law provides a broad outline for JOBS leaves the critical decisions to the states; hence, the major choices which will determine whether the programs will be constructive or punitive will be made at the state level. The following questions should be decided early in the planning process: (1) whether parents with very young children should be required to participate; (2) number of participants; (3) categories of participants; (4) opportunities for a volunteers-first program; (5) opportunities for basic and remedial education; (6) cost of activities and number of people served; (7) safeguards to minimize sanctions; (8) provision of income supplements for participants who suffer a net loss of income by taking entry-level jobs; (9) provision of child care at market rates; and (10) time limits for benefits provided under an AFDC-U Program for two-parent families. Implementation may begin as early as July 1, 1989. Program planning may include a demographic study of potential participants and labor market needs using federal matching funds. The planning process should include the following considerations: (1) available resources; (2) the education and training needs of potential participants; (3) the actual cost of education and training components; and (4) projection of a feasible number of participants. The law requires states to develop a state plan that is available for public review and comment, but more public involvement is possible. (FMW)