Child Development B.A.

View information for the Child Development Program , including Learning Objectives.

The program leading to a Bachelor of Arts, Child Development provides students with a background of knowledge and skills in child growth and development. The degree is housed in the Department of Psychology. Courses are selected from child development, psychology, and related fields, and include laboratory and field experiences at the CSU Stanislaus Child Development Center as well as other applied settings.

All students are expected to:

1. Complete a professional development class;
2. Complete a core of required courses;
3. Complete one of the tracks described; and
4. Complete a capstone senior seminar and corequisite internship.

Tracks are designed to provide students with specialized knowledge and abilities in the following areas of child development:

1. Working as teachers and administrators of child development programs (Child Programs Track);
2. Pursuing advanced studies or research careers in education, psychology, social sciences, special education, and child development (Child Research Track);
3. Serving the social welfare and guidance needs of young children, parents, families, and the community (Child Services Track).

A General Track is available for those students who wish to tailor their academic programs to a particular developmental focus. A general track plan must be developed with an academic adviser and submitted to the Child Development Committee for approval prior to completing courses.

Follow the instructions on the general track plan form. General tracks must include 12 units of upper-division coursework including an application component to be approved. Courses that do not appear on the list of approved CDEV electives must be accompanied by departmental petitions.

Students should note that Senior Seminar and Internship are required assessment courses for the Child Development Major. The seminar is integrated with a senior internship that culminates the student’s educational plan and relates to the student’s track and prospective career. Students may not take these courses until they have met all prerequisites.

Students should take Senior Seminar in the last semester of coursework and should consider carefully the amount of time that will be required to complete successfully the course and internship.

Students should plan for participation in a field site for approximately 6 hours per week throughout the entire semester, strict class attendance, and group participation on arranged time with classmates and professional persons. Finally, students should consider that the semester project includes the preparation and presentation of individualized professional portfolios, demonstrating individual achievement of the program’s competencies. See departmental information regarding prerequisites and enrollment procedures for these classes.

Students pursuing authorization to teach in public elementary schools must complete a Multiple Subject Credential concurrent with or upon completion of the baccalaureate.

There are two routes to the credential:

1. Completion of the Child Development major;
2. The Liberal Studies major with a Child Development Concentration, described in the Liberal Studies section of this catalog. Students may wish to consult their advisers before choosing their major.