In the first year of training all residents spend two weeks studying concepts and theories of normal child development, and normal variations in behaviors related to developmental stages. They are introduced to developmental screening tools and their use, as well as community resources available to families with children who have or are at risk for developmental and behavioral disorders. Activities include directed readings; faculty discussions; participation in NICU Developmental Follow-up Clinic, Developmental Care Clinic and the Foster Care Health Program to practice developmental screening skills; community site visits (Head Start, Alta California Regional Center, Yolo County Early Start, UC Davis Center for Child and Family Studies, ABC School for children with autism).

During the second or third year of training residents spend four weeks on the Child Development and Behavior service, which is an integral part of the M.I.N.D. (Medical Investigation of Neurodevelopmental Disorders) Institute. The M.I.N.D. Institute brings together a broad range of UC Davis faculty with expertise in developmental-behavioral pediatrics, neurology, psychiatry, and basic science who all share a common interest in neurodevelopmental disorders.

During this unique experience residents have an opportunity to work with M.I.N.D. Institute faculty who have national and international reputations for excellence in the field of neurodevelopmental disorders. Residents learn about abnormal child development with an emphasis on developmental assessment and diagnosis through observation, case conferences, and direct "hands-on" patient care. The experience includes participation in the the multidisciplinary M.I.N.D. Institute Child Development clinic, NICU Developmental Follow-up clinic and Developmental Care Clinic, along with participation in the Down Syndrome Clinic at Alta California Regional Center, as well as presentation of cases discussed at weekly multidisciplinary team conferences.

Developmental-behavioral pediatric faculty attend continuity clinics on a monthly basis to provide longitudinal consultation and training on developmental and behavioral issues for the residents within the context of their own practices.