Child and Family Studies Major

Standard #1: Young Children’s Development. The practitioner understands how young children grow and develop, recognizing that patterns of learning and development vary individually within and across the cognitive, linguistic, social, emotional, and physical areas, and designs and implements developmentally appropriate and challenging learning experiences.

Standard #2: Diversity and Differences. The practitioner uses understanding of individual differences and diversity among children and families to ensure inclusion in multiple contexts.

Standard #3: Developmentally Appropriate Environments. The practitioner works with others to create environments that support individuals and families, and that encourage positive social interaction, active engagement and social interaction.

Standard #4: Content Knowledge. The practitioner understands the central concepts, tools of inquiry, and structures of the discipline(s) and creates learning experiences that make the discipline accessible and meaningful for young children and families to assure mastery of the content.

Standard #5: Application of Content and Assessment. The practitioner understands how to connect concepts and use differing perspectives to engage young children in critical thinking, creativity, and collaborative problem solving. He/she uses multiple methods of assessment to engage young children in their own growth, to monitor progress, and to guide his/her decision making.

Standard #6: Professional Learning and Leadership. The practitioner engages in ongoing professional learning, uses evidence to continually evaluate his/her practice, and adapts practice to meet the needs of each young child. The practitioner also seeks appropriate leadership roles and opportunities to collaborate with young children, families, colleagues, other professionals, and community members.

The traditional undergraduate programs includes a minimum of 120 credits distributed across three components: A General Education component divided into Signature Courses, Variable Courses, and an Integrative Learning requirement; a Major and Divisional component; and Free Electives. In addition to course requirements as specified in each area, students must complete one certified course in each of the following overlay areas¹:

1. Diversity, Globalization or Non-western Area Studies,
2. Ethics Intensive
3. Writing Intensive, and
4. Diversity

¹

Overlay requirements are part of the 120 credit requirements

General Education Signature Courses

See this page about Signature courses. 

General Education Variable Courses

See this page about Variable courses. Six to Nine courses

General Education Overlays

See this page about Overlays.

General Education Integrative Learning Component

See this page about Integrative Learning Component. Three courses:

 Major Requirements