The ILS/ACS Workforce Institute partnership allows for developing and implementing learning programs to support child welfare professionals in building their skills and knowledge to best serve children and families. While the offerings are expansive and address broad professional needs and requirements, their structure is loosely defined and not aligned with a clear growth trajectory. Thus, continuous professional development/learning (from required to voluntary), with obvious achievement rewards, measurable on-the-job implementation and impact and competency alignment, is not fully realized. We are researching and developing an evidence-based approach to learning and development to further professional growth on a more linear path with recorded measures of success along the way. We have drawn on industry best practices (workforce training, child welfare and evaluation) to arrive at a proposed construct to support ACS direct service staff and contracted foster care and prevention provider agencies in their critical work. We will share the proposed construct/model and envisioned impact of the training initiative to demonstrate how we are approaching a more meaningful and effective learning strategy. Essential questions follow the presentation to invite participants to inform the project's design based on their experience in workforce development, professional training, and best practices associated with competency-based learning/learning paths and related assessment. As this is a project in development, input from CUNY peers can further shape the proposed approach to enhance the training and growth of child welfare professionals.