This preliminary report summarizes a statewide (Iowa) survey which assessed the extent of the use of special care procedures in the public schools. Respondents included 873 schools including the 17 special schools which serve children with multiple disabilities. Reporting schools identified 460 students with requirements for special care procedures with the largest number of children in the 6-8 year age range. The students identified required 598 special care procedures in the school setting. The most common procedures included: delivery of medications via special means; intermittent urethral catheterization; delivery of feedings via gastrostomy tube; suctioning of the mouth or airway; care of a tracheostomy and use of a feeding pump; and administration of oxygen or use of a monitor. The survey found that 42% of students were being served in regular classroom settings and 30% in self-contained special classes. Registered nurses were the largest single provider of services (39%). A large number of schools identified the need for technical assistance in the areas of policy and procedures, inservice training, and resource materials. Tables detailing survey results are appended. (DB)