This guide, one of three units in the Colorado state plan for guidance program development, is written for educators as both a guideline and a needs assessment instrument to assist in the identification of deficit areas in school guidance programs. In a beginning section, this unit for the elementary years provides a brief philosophy of elementary guidance and definitions of commonly used terms (e.g., guidance, counseling, career education). The three areas covered by the state plan are presented and include: (1) program components (counseling, consulting, coordinating, and budget, staff, facilities, and professional growth); (2) student outcomes in ten areas (e.g., self-esteem, communication skills, career awareness, role responsibility, problem-solving); and (3) use of resources (business, industry, community). The format of the guide is a series of charts which present either goals and objectives, and sections for recording current activities and the strengths and weaknesses of the current program (Program Components section); or suggested activities/topics and space for marking current practice at each grade level (Student Outcomes section). The Use of Resources section lists suggestions for a resource file and provides program planning sheets. The appendices contain the statement of purpose and membership list of the Colorado Advisory Council for Guidance, Counseling and Placement, and an outline of occupational clusters. (BL)