Child Development B.A.

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

It is strongly suggested you consult a CDEV academic advisor as you develop your academic plan. View the degree program Roadmaps, which provide recommended advising maps to complete the degree program. 

The program leading to a Bachelor of Arts in Child Development provides students with a background of knowledge and skills in child growth and development. The degree is delivered by the Department of Psychology and Child Development. Courses are selected from child development and related fields and include laboratory and field experiences at the Stanislaus State Child Development Center (CDC) as well as other applied settings.  The Child Development major is designed to prepare students for professional occupations with children and families as well as to prepare students to pursue advanced studies or research careers.

The Child Development Major is organized around six broad competencies-child development knowledge/foundations; the research process; legal, ethical, and pragmatic issues; professionalism; developmentally-appropriate practices; and integration of a personal/professional worldview.

Program Learning Outcomes

1. Development: Students will communicate a basic knowledge of developmental theories and current research findings as they apply to children’s and adolescents’ social, emotional, language, cognitive, and physical development. Students will understand implications for practice, supporting children and families’ overall health and wellness. 


2. Relationships: Students will demonstrate an understanding of how to foster a positive network of relationships and contribute to reciprocal relationships between children, adolescents, their families, and professionals. 
    
3. Diversity: Students will identify strength-based, family-centered, and collaborative practices to support children and families of diverse backgrounds, such as families from various contextual, cultural, and ethnic backgrounds, children with special needs, dual language learners.  
    
4. Research: Students will demonstrate information competency, the ability to critically evaluate research, and an understanding of research and developmental methods as well as ethical issues related to doing research with children. Students will understand the importance of observation and documentation for use in assessment and application of research into practice. 
    
5. Professionalism & Ethics: Students will be aware of child and family rights and use reflective practices demonstrating professional and ethical behavior while advocating for children, families, colleagues and the profession, working effectively with others to negotiate differences, and facilitating the development of common goals. 

The Major

All students are expected to:

1. Complete the prerequisites to the major;
2. Complete the core of required courses;
3. Complete one of the program pathways described below; and
4. Complete the capstone senior seminar and co-requisite internship.

Program Pathways

Three professional pathways are designed to provide students with specialized knowledge and abilities:

1. Child Learning and Education Pathway - prepares professionals as teachers and administrators of child development programs and elementary schools, curriculum specialists, program evaluators, recreational leaders, and other professionals that work with children and families in the community.
    
2. Child and Family Services Pathway - prepares professionals to meet the social welfare and guidance needs of young children, parents, families, and the community in agencies, parent education programs, foster care, etc.
    
3. A General Pathway - is available for those students who wish to tailor their academic programs to a particular developmental focus. A general track pathway plan of thematically related units must be developed with the student’s CDEV academic adviser and submitted for the Child Development Committee’s approval prior to completion of coursework. The requirements for the General Pathway are shown in the catalog sections that follow and on the general track pathway plan form.

Senior Capstone Experience

The Child Development major culminates in a senior seminar and internship experience related to the student’s career goals.  These classes provide opportunities for students to work side-by-side with professionals while developing a worldview and documentation of their accomplishment of program competencies. These courses culminate the student’s educational plan; students may not take these courses until they have met all prerequisites.