Faculty: Health Sciences The Child Development major focuses on the physical, cognitive, social, and emotional growth of children from birth through adolescence. Students develop an understanding of developmental theories, research methods, and practical applications. Graduates are prepared for careers in education, social work, child psychology, and various roles in child-focused organizations. **Learning Objectives:** - Understand the fundamentals of child development and its stages. - Develop skills in observing, assessing, and supporting children's development. - Learn techniques for creating and implementing developmentally appropriate practices. - Explore principles of developmental psychology, education, and family studies. - Analyze and interpret developmental data and research findings. - Develop critical thinking, problem-solving, and practical skills for effective child development practice. **Major Outline:** 1. **Introduction to Child Development** - Overview of key concepts, principles, and practices in child development. - Fundamentals of physical, cognitive, social, and emotional development. 2. **Developmental Psychology** - Principles of developmental psychology, including theories of cognitive, social, and emotional development. - Techniques for understanding and supporting children's psychological development. 3. **Early Childhood Education** - Principles of early childhood education, including curriculum development, teaching methods, and learning environments. - Techniques for creating and implementing effective early childhood education programs. 4. **Family Studies** - Principles of family studies, including family dynamics, parenting, and family-child interactions. - Techniques for supporting families and enhancing family-child relationships. 5. **Research Methods in Child Development** - Principles of research methods in child development, including experimental design, data collection, and analysis. - Techniques for conducting and interpreting child development research. 6. **Special Education and Inclusion** - Principles of special education and inclusion, including identifying and supporting children with special needs. - Techniques for creating inclusive learning environments and supporting diverse learners. 7. **Child Health and Nutrition** - Principles of child health and nutrition, including physical growth, nutrition, and health promotion. - Techniques for promoting children's health and well-being. 8. **Internship/Practicum** - Real-world experiences in child development settings, including internships in schools, childcare centers, or social service agencies. - Application of learned skills in practical child development scenarios. 9. **Capstone Project in Child Development** - Comprehensive project applying skills in developmental psychology, early childhood education, or family studies. - Delivery of a polished child development project, research study, or program evaluation. **Assessment Methods:** - Developmental psychology analyses, early childhood education projects, family studies reports, research methods papers, special education and inclusion plans, child health and nutrition studies, internship/practicum reports, capstone projects, group projects, and presentations. **Recommended Textbooks:** - "Child Development" by various authors. - "Developmental Psychology" by various authors. - "Early Childhood Education" by various authors. - "Family Studies" by various authors. - "Research Methods in Child Development" by various authors. - "Special Education and Inclusion" by various authors. - "Child Health and Nutrition" by various authors. **Prerequisites:** Basic knowledge of psychology, education, and an interest in child development and family studies. **Major Duration:** Typically 4 years for a bachelor's degree, including coursework, internships, and capstone projects. For advanced practice, a Master's degree in Child Development or a related field may be pursued, which typically takes an additional 1-2 years. **Certification:** Graduates may receive a degree in Child Development and pursue further education or professional certifications, such as those offered by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) or specialized certifications in areas like early childhood education or family studies. **Target Audience:** Aspiring educators, social workers, child psychologists, and professionals seeking careers in schools, childcare centers, social service agencies, and child-focused organizations. This major equips students with the theoretical, research, and practical skills needed to excel in child development, supporting careers in various roles focused on the growth and well-being of children.