As the Head Start program has matured, the need to establish a comprehensive Career Development Program has become increasingly apparent. Job openings for personnel from program assistants to professionals, created and sustained by Head Start funding, are considered by DHEW administrators as critically important to provide employment and development opportunities for low income residents of Head Start communities. Described in this manual is a plan for the development and advancement of Head Start program assistants through a sequence of career progression steps. Groupings of tasks and course work are suggested for the entry or trainee level, the immediate level, and the advanced preprofessional level. (CS)