Child Development
High quality early childhood education is crucial for all children in order to get the best start in life. Consider a degree in child and family studies, and you can be a major contributor to that process and positively affect the lives of young children and families. Mission Statement: The mission of the department of child and family studies is to educate and inspire students to improve the lives of children and families by using a holistic approach based on family systems theory. Faculty members in of child and family studies strive to instill in students a standard of professionalism that reflects scholarship, integrity, diversity, collaboration, service and lifelong learning. General Information: The child and family studies curriculum provides a broad general education through the university core, multidisciplinary supporting courses and coursework specific to the child and family. This combination assures students the breadth and depth necessary for success in a variety of rewarding careers working with children and families. In addition to the general education and college core, course work in child and family studies has a family systems perspective and focuses on developmental observations A broad knowledge of the child and family is acquired through courses in family systems, communication, psychology, developmental disabilities, computer technology and contemporary issues that affect quality of life. The curriculum is carefully designed and includes several classes available through online delivery. In addition, a variety of clinical experiences is included and considered integral to students' preparation. Career Options: Child development graduates have many exciting career choices. In the area of teaching and administration, individuals can work in childcare facilities or in private family childcare. Career choices are also available in the area of community service through community centers, YMCA/YWCA, consumer protection agencies, summer camp programs and programs servicing children with special needs. Child development expertise can also be applied in the business world through employment in retail stores, manufacturing companies of children’s products and financial institutions. There are additional career opportunities in the field of mass media such as print and audio/video. Child development career opportunities are also available through government agencies such as health, education, welfare, cooperative extension, military childcare programs and overseas childcare and education programs.
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