The UNC Center for Development and Learning (CDL) provides short-term and long-term interdisciplinary training opportunities for individuals at the master’s, pre-doctoral, doctoral, post-doctoral, and professional levels. The CDL's primary training initiatives are funded through the Maternal and Child Health Bureau’s Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental and Related Disabilities (LEND) Program. The CDL is also a University Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities Research, Education, and Service (UCEDD) funded by the Administration on Developmental Disabilities. Traineeships/fellowships are offered in 12 disciplines of study and are designed to foster clinical and leadership skills in professionals and students in the areas of training, education, research, community-outreach, technical assistance, public policy, advocacy, systems administration, and clinical practice. The CDL training program is designed to assist trainees in gaining specific leadership competencies as well as to develop individualized interdisciplinary clinical skills.

There are several components of the CDL Training Program including: a Core Course seminar series, Grand Rounds, Clinical Experiences, a Community Project, Self Paced Learning Modules, the Interdisciplinary Leadership Consortium, and Various Workshops. Based on the type and length of traineeship, individuals will complete some or all of these components.

The primary purpose of the CDL Training Program is to prepare professionals for cutting-edge leadership roles that will allow them to direct and facilitate culturally/linguistically competent and family-centered interdisciplinary efforts—including systems change—to improve the health status of infants, children, and adolescents who have, or are at risk for developing neurodevelopmental and related disabilities and their families, with a strong emphasis being placed on leadership roles in community-based services and agencies. The CDL strives to provide high-quality interdisciplinary education, which emphasizes the integration of services supported by state and local agencies, professional organizations, private providers, and communities.