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DEPARTMENT OFFICE
Engineering and Technology A535
Marlene Zepeda, Chair
Phone: (323) 343-4590
E-mail: cfsdept@calstatela.edu
Website: www.calstatela.edu/academic/hhs/cfs/

The Department of Child and Family Studies prepares individuals to understand the relationship between theory, research and practice and to apply this knowledge to issues in child and family studies. Students are prepared to think critically about child and family developmental processes by identifying relevant issues, developing practical solutions and applying and disseminating knowledge. The department prepares professionals in the discipline who seek to improve the quality of life for individuals, children and families.

Child Development, the empirical study of the growth and development of the individual from birth through adolescence, provides a foundation of understanding and skill for students interested in professional careers related to working with children and families. It prepares students for advanced study of child and family development as well as for professional education courses leading to the Multiple Subject teaching credential and Special Education credentials.

Students with a background in child and family development are able to pursue professional opportunities in many fields including elementary school teaching, working with children in hospitals; developing social and educational programs outside of schools; working with parents; production of children’s films, books, and magazines; educational television; children’s toys and educational software; and child advocacy at local, state, and national levels.

The Faculty

Professor: Rita Ledesma (Chair), Marlene Zepeda.

Associate Professor: Yafen Lo, Edward Lopez.
Assistant Professors: Raquel Delevi, Allison Fuligni, Claudia Kouyoumdjian, Simona Montanari.

Departmental Honors Program

The child development major includes an honors program for students who have completed at least 16 upper division units in the Child Development core, maintained a minimum 3.5 grade point average, passed the Graduation Writing Assessment Requirement, and are recommended and approved by the Child and Family Studies advisers. Applications are available in the Child and Family Studies office E & T 535.

Certificate Program

The Child Development degree offers course work acceptable toward fulfillment of requirements for the interdisciplinary credit certificate program in Child Maltreatment and Family Violence offered by the College of Health and Human Services. Please contact the department office for further information.

Certificate Program for Parent Educators

The program is designed to help individuals from varied backgrounds master the skills necessary to be qualified parent educators. Please contact the department office for further information. This certificate program is also available through the College of Extended Studies and International Programs, (323) 343-4900, for nonmatriculated students.

Programs for this Department:

Undergraduate Major

• Child Development, B.A. 
Undergraduate Minor

• Child Development Minor 
Graduate Major

• Child Development, M.A. 

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