Skip to main content
California Department of Education Logo

Employment First Policy

Resources and guidelines for educators, parents, and agencies that will assist transition age youth develop postsecondary goals that lead to competitive, integrated employment (CIE).

This section provides resources for implementing the Employment First Policy External link opens in new window or tab. (PDF) and preparing youth with disabilities for competitive integrated employment (CIE).

This policy gives a new direction for the evolution of developmental services by establishing the value of work firmly within the Lanterman Act and makes it the “highest priority” that the developmental services system strives to make regular jobs, with regular pay, a real option for people with developmental disabilities.

Association of People Supporting Employment First External link opens in new window or tab.
Employment First resources.

Advisory Committee on Increasing Competitive Integrated Employment (CIE) for Individuals with Disabilities External link opens in new window or tab.
Describes the committee as a key part of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA).

Competitive Integrated Employment Blueprint External link opens in new window or tab.
The California Competitive Integrated Employment (CIE) Blueprint is the combined effort of the California Department of Education, California Department of Rehabilitation, and California Department of Developmental Services, in partnership with a wide range of stakeholders, including Disability Rights California (DRC) with leadership provided by the California Health and Human Services Agency (CHHSA). The purpose of the Blueprint is to increase opportunities for Californians with ID/DD to prepare for and participate in CIE.

Competitive Integrated Employment Toolkit External link opens in new window or tab.
The CIE toolkit was developed to facilitate the collaboration necessary to implement secondary transition services across agencies at the state, community and student levels and increase the use of evidence based practices.

Employment First Dashboard External link opens in new window or tab.
The Employment Data Dashboard presents data on how well California is doing in implementing California's Employment First Policy.

Employment First Report External link opens in new window or tab. (PDF)
The 2019 Employment First Report developed by the California’s State Council on Developmental Disabilities.

Ideas for Implementing Employment First Activities

Office of Disability Employment Policy External link opens in new window or tab.
Resources for implementing Employment First.


Questions:   Programs and Partnerships Unit | 916-327-0878
Last Reviewed: Tuesday, January 16, 2024
Related Content
Recently Posted in Special Education
  • Equitable Services for Students with Disabilities (updated 08-Nov-2024)
    Equitable services provisions and proportionate share calculation are required for students aged 3-21, parentally placed in private school. Local Educational Agencies have an obligation to locate and evaluate all students within their boundaries.
  • Local MTP-Education Partner IA FAQs (updated 04-Nov-2024)
    Frequently asked questions (FAQs) and guidance regarding the Local Medical Therapy Program (MTP)-Education Partner Interagency Agreement (IA).
  • FMTA Consultant Assignments by Region (updated 17-Oct-2024)
    The Focused Monitoring and Technical Assistance (FMTA) Consultants are assigned geographically and by quality assurance activity to align with the eleven California County Superintendents Educational Services Association (CCSESA) regions.
  • CALPADS Special Education Data Fall Roadshows (updated 17-Oct-2024)
    California Longitudinal Pupil Achievement Data System (CALPADS) Regional trainings in Fall 2024 to inform local educational agencies (LEAs) with updates and changes to the collection of data for students with disabilities.
  • WAI State Advisory Meeting October 28 and 30, 2024 (added 15-Oct-2024)
    WorkAbility I (WAI) State Advisory Committee Meeting Agenda.

  • ACSE Agenda October 16, 2024 (updated 11-Oct-2024)
    Advisory Commission on Special Education (ACSE) meeting agenda.
  • California Special Education Local Plan Areas (updated 11-Oct-2024)
    Service area covered by a special education local plan and the governance structure created under any of the planning options of Section 56205, 56206, 56208, 56211, 56213, 56241, 56243, 56244, & 56245 of the Education Code.