This paper outlines the procedures used at the University of Cincinnati for establishing a field based elementary teacher education program in the form of a field guide. The first step involves a meeting with university faculty to discuss the implications of such a program. Step two involves meeting with the elementary school principal and selling the proposed program. Step three requires approaching the elementary school faculty, describing the program to them, emphasizing both pros and cons. The final step requires that the principal have latitude to make his decision. He should make the final contact either accepting or rejecting the proposal. Additionally the paper stresses a number of points crucial to the successful selling and functioning of a field based education program: (1) in the discussion with university faculty it is essential that they realize that they have no authority over public school teachers and their students, or the school building, and that they internalize the concept of working with elementary school faculty; (2) in talking with the principal, present a full assessment of the advantages college students in the program provide for the school; (3) in talking with the elementary school faculty, it is important to be brief, emphasize the cooperative nature of the venture, and present the list of services from which they will benefit; and finally (4) ensure that the supervising faculty and the college students involved become immersed in the elementary school environment through such activities as reading the school bulletin and joining the PTA. (DMT)