Designed to assist administrators of staff development programs for personnel engaged in Illinois' summer educational programs for migrant youth, this guide contains suggestions for a 2-day intensive staff inservice program. Providing a continuum of difficulty to allow selection of activities and levels most appropriate to local needs, the guide details specific activities to be planned, resources to be utilized, and practical suggestions for maintaining focus on the major goals of a life-centered program (career development, basic skills, and impacting the family). The guide provides suggestions for understanding the migrant culture, family, and student; understanding career/vocational development concepts and activities; infusing personal and social skills into the basic academic areas; helping the student become a resource person for the family; examining ways to orient youth to their working futures; involving parents in the educational program; organizing career/vocational experiences within accessible community resources; evaluating students and reporting through the Migrant Student Record Transfer System; discussing the first week's plans; building self-confidence; communicating with adults about work; projecting into the future; preparing instructional resource units using the contract approach or a focusing unit; and evaluating the staff development program. Appended illustrative materials provide basic back-up information and forms. (CM)