This manual is designed to assist Minnesota school districts in implementing surrogate parent programs under federal law (the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act) and federal and state regulations. An introduction notes that Minnesota special education rules expand on the federal law by clarifying what school districts must do, including systematically identifying students in need of a surrogate parents, recruitment and appointment of eligible volunteers, and provision of volunteer training. Part 1 explains both federal regulations and state rules concerning locus of responsibility; due process and procedural safeguards; and surrogate selection, skills and duties, and removal. Part 2 provides suggestions for the design of surrogate parent programs based on methods that have been successful in many localities. Part 3 considers questions that frequently arise as districts carry out their surrogate parent programs and offers guidelines on addressing these issues. Part 4 offers practical resources including the texts of relevant portions of federal and state law and sample letters and materials that school districts can adapt to fit their programs. (DB)