This introductory handbook is intended to provide teachers with an overview of the Primary Education Program (PEP), designed for use with children at preschool, kindergarten and first grade levels. Background information on the development of PEP is presented and the rationale and design of the program are discussed. Briefly discussed are the three PEP curricula: the classification and communication skills curriculum, the quantification curriculum, and the exploratory learning curriculum. A list of the PEP manuals is presented in tabular form. A major part of the handbook provides information on how PEP can best be utilized in classroom settings. Specific suggestions are offered in the areas of physical design of the classroom, storage and display of materials, diagnostic testing procedures, prescriptive learning tasks, unit games, scheduling considerations, record keeping systems, teacher roles, and student roles. Research findings on the effects of PEP on classroom processes and student learning outcomes are presented. (JMB)