This paper describes the goals and implementation of a program which trains pediatricians in child development at Boston Children's Hospital. The program emphasizes an understanding of "normal" child development, rather than the pathological model with which most pediatricians are familiar. Pediatricians are encouraged to use their awareness of a child's developmental progress to establish a cooperative relationship (rather than a dominating one) with the child's parents. Two-hour seminars are provided twice weekly for the doctors by an expert in child development. Each pediatrician is required to carry out a research study related to child development. To aid the doctors in their research efforts, weekly seminars in research methods are conducted by psychologists. Pediatricians are expected to learn to teach child development principles to other medical personnel during weekly ward rounds, consultations, or clinic work. Through these trained pediatricians, the program aims to apply an understanding of child development to models for preventive and caregiving services in the community. It is anticipated that the program will establish a working liaison between pediatrics and other fields concerned with early identification and intervention. (BRT)