Intended for local education agency administrators who are establishing programs for children with low incidence handicapping conditions (severe and multiple handicaps), the manual presents information on a range of program topics. Separate chapters are devoted to the following aspects (subtopics in parentheses): identification (presenting problems, Child Find implications); screening and assessment (multidisciplinary approach, protection in evaluation); admission, review, and dismissal process (interpretation of assessment data); individualized education programs (format, planning, establishing timelines); staff (teacher and aide competencies, ratios, related services staff); parents (education, resources); facilities (building design, safety, classroom design); equipment; materials (descriptions of texts and assessment instruments); transportation (legal requirements, emergencies); and funding (estimated breakdown of costs for typical facility). (CL)