The career development program for students with mental disabilities should be integrated into the total special education curriculum, should provide training of specific skills needed in particular jobs as well as a general orientation to the world of work, and should relate academics to activities of daily living. The program should begin at the elementary level with emphasis on the meaning of the world of work and the development of social competencies. As the student progresses through junior high and high school, emphasis shifts to a functional, hands-on approach to teach the realistic requirements of jobs. Recommended practices for providing career development are presented. During the elementary years, the focus is on character training, social skill development, and study of job families. Programs for junior high students should focus on an in-depth study of job families, application of academics to job-related activities, evaluation of work interests, gathering of occupational information, etc. The high school program should offer academics related to the functions of daily living, vocational classes, vocational assessment, work experience, seminars, counseling, and transition planning. At each educational level, samples of specific teaching activities are offered for integrated, resource room, and self-contained setting. Fourteen figures are included. (JDD)