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Office: Engineering and Technology A535
Phone: (323) 343-4590
E-mail: cfsdept@calstatela.edu
Website: www.calstatela.edu/academic/hhs/cfs/

Chair

Jessica Dennis
jdennis@calstatela.edu
323-343-4677

The Faculty

Professor: Jessica Dennis, Rakel Delevi, Allison Fuligni, Claudia Kouyoumdjian, Ya-fen Lo, Simona Montanari.
Associate Professor: Edward Lopez, Ashley Munger.
Assistant Professors: Celina Benavides, Brieanne Kohrt, Jessica Morales-Chicas, Su-Jeong Wee.
Emeriti: Rita Ledesma, Marlene Zepeda.

Overview

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 infant daycares, preschools, and after school programs; elementary school teaching; working with children in hospitals; developing social and educational programs outside of schools; working with parents and families; production of children’s books, films, and magazines; educational television; children’s toys and educational software and games; and child advocacy at local, state, and national levels.

Mission Statement

The Department seeks to improve the quality of life for individuals at all levels of development within diverse environments. Students are trained to think and write critically about human and family development through identifying and solving real-world problems, advocating for individuals and families, and disseminating knowledge.

Programs

• Child Development, B.A.

• Minor in Child Development

• Child Development, M.A.

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