The term cooperative education is generally associated with a school and work program in which student-learners receive supervised payroll experience as part of the school curriculum. Steps in planning a program include surveys of community resources, student aspirations, and existing curriculums, and evaluation in terms of the criteria for approval for state and federal reimbursement. Selections of employers and establishments must be conducted carefully to assure maximum benefit to both parties, and it is also imperative to be familiar with the legal requirements for employment and training such as certification, insurance, and licensing. Related instruction is of two types--information pertaining to skills and knowledge in a particular occupation, and information on personal, community, and occupational problems. In addition to reviewing these aspects of cooperative education, the document devotes a section to the problems and procedures common to day-to-day program operation. (CD)