Materials contained in the 16 volumes that make up the Rural America Series suggest practices through which rural schools can meet local community needs and realize their potential for career program delivery. This handbook, one of five in the subset of program development process documents for the series, is intended as an initial planning tool for the coordinator of a career guidance and counseling program. The handbook describes (1) establishing and orienting a career guidance program planning committee, (2) systematic procedures for planning the career guidance program, and (3) exemplary materials which could be used in a career guidance program planning-implementation effort. Section 1 discusses procedures for generating interest in and support for the program. Sample materials are provided to aid in the identification, selection, and orientation of planning committee members. Suggestions for community support of the program are also made. The planning-implementation cycle which guides the systematic development of program plans is discussed in section 2. The six steps of the cycle are described and their interrelationships are shown. A number of planning aids which can be adapted for local use are provided; techniques for effective program planning are highlighted. (TA)