The manual addresses the design and implementation of personnel practices for improving the preparation and performance of paraprofessionals who work with developmentally disabled persons in community-based settings. The first part of the manual describes components of a comprehensive system of career development (entry level positions, career ladders, inservice training, and education). A system of task analysis is presented for determining what jobs need to be performed to deliver quality services to clients, as well as where and how each job is to be performed. A section on developing job descriptions includes detailed examples. Career ladders for selected education and social work paraprofessionals are suggested in a section on designing career ladders. A combination of inservice training and postsecondary academic coursework is recommended, and specific content of a core curriculum is outlined with brief course descriptions and accompanying rationale. References and a list of instructional materials developed for training paraprofessionals who work with developmentally disabled persons conclude the document. (JW)