The Pre-Doctoral Preparation for Applied Interdisciplinary Research project at the Pennsylvania State University is described. Project goals were to: (1) develop a training model for the preparation of interdisciplinary, applied researchers in the field of services for young handicapped children and their families; and (2) train a cadre of five outstanding doctoral level researchers from four disciplines (nursing, planning, child development, and early childhood education) for academic, research, and consultative roles. An interactive perspective of child development that sees a handicap, disability, or dysfunction as a result of a mismatch between the child and the situational characteristics was adopted. Disability was descirbed as a deviation in body or functioning that resulted in a functional inadequacy in view of environmental demands. The model was designed to be easy to advocate and also capable of dissemination and reformation in places with different program development requirements. Information is presented on the following project components: learning objectives in elementary and intermediate statistics, research design, measurement and assessment, and evaluation research; objectives of the interdisciplinary training committee, the names and qualifications of the training committee members, and colloquium and seminar topics; activities of the research practicum; and outcomes of the project evaluation. A student evaluation and tracking form is appended. (SW)