Mar 28, 2024  
University Catalog 2016-2017 
    
University Catalog 2016-2017 [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Child Development, B.A.


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The Bachelor of Arts Degree in Child Development provides students with the opportunity to explore the relationship between theory, research and practice. The curriculum reflects an interdisciplinary approach to the study of children and families and the social contexts that influence development.  A variety of opportunities for practicum experiences in school settings, community and recreational agencies, hospitals, and parent and family life education programs are available. These experiences provide students with direct contact with consumers and the organizations and professionals who work with children and families within the region. Opportunities for original research are available as well.  The BA degree in Child Development also provides an excellent pathway to graduate programs in a number of fields.

The Bachelor of Arts Degree in Child Development includes a choice of two Degree Options: Option I, General Option, prepares students to work as administrators in preschools, day care centers or youth agencies or to gain entry into careers with children and families in early education, health, pediatric or community based settings.  Graduates of the program are prepared for employment as early childhood educators, parent educators, Certified Family Life Educators, Child Life Specialists, youth agency workers, or case managers. Option IIis the Elementary Subject Matter Teacher Preparation Program for the California Multiple Subject Teaching Credential. Courses prepare students for the California Subject Examinations for Teachers (CSET). Students may elect to use Option II to complete the undergraduate degree program simultaneously with requirements for either a California Multiple Subject Teaching or Special Education Internship Credential.

The total number of units required for the Bachelor of Arts degree in Child Development, Option I, General Option, is 120, which includes 72 units in the major and 48 units in the General Education Program. The total number of units required for the Bachelor of Arts degree in Child Development, Option II, Elementary Subject Matter Teacher Preparation, is 120 units, which includes 45 units in the major, 48 units in the General Education program and 27 elective units.

Advisement

All students who intend to major in Child Development should meet with an advisor before the end of the second semester in residence to discuss program options and select a degree program. All students admitted to the major are encouraged to meet on a regular basis with a Department advisor throughout the undergraduate career. Students must receive a grade of “C” or better in all courses in the major program.  Students may only repeat courses in the major program two times to meet the requirement of earning a grade of “C” or better.  Information about the major and Department policies and procedures is available in the Child and Family Studies Department office and on the Department’s website.
Students seeking a credential should also consult the Charter College of Education to review the regulations and policies governing teaching credential programs.

Departmental Honors Program

The child development major includes an honors program for students who have completed at least 12 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 advisors. Applications are available in the Child and Family Studies office E & T 535.

Requirements for the Major (72 units)


Option I, the General Option, requires  39 units of lower and upper division courses in the core curriculum. Students select and additional 33 units from a menu of courses that provide preparation for specific career pathways. Option I requires a total of 120 units for completion, which includes 48 units of General Education coursework (39 units in lower division course work and 9 units in upper division course work)..

Students should plan their programs with careful attention to prerequisites for upper division courses. Some courses that meet General Education requirements are included in the core for Option I. Students in this option should complete these requirements and other general education requirements before proceeding with the major. Students in Option II are subject to the standard General Education requirements, some of which may also be used to prepare for the CSET.

A grade of C or better is required in all courses in the General Option major and in all courses used to meet the major requirements for the Elementary Subject Matter Teacher Preparation Option.

Options


Option I: General Option (120 units of which 72 are in the major)


Option I prepares students for employment in a variety of child and family focused educational, community, agency or pediatric settings, while also providing a strong foundation for graduate studies.

 

Students in Option 1 are required to take all courses in the core (39 units)

*Courses can also be counted towards General Education requirements.

Electives and Career Pathway Courses (33 Units Required)


Students may select any 11 of the Advanced Topics Elective Courses or select a Career Pathway and Electives.

Option II: Elementary Subject Matter Teacher Preparation Option (120 units, of which 45 are in the major)


Option II prepares prospective teachers for grades K-8. Because passing the California Subject Examinations for Teachers (CSET) is a prerequisite for a teaching credential, students in Option II are expected to prepare for and take the three portions of the CSET: Multiple Subjects at their earliest convenience and report their results to a Department advisor. Based on the CSET results and students’ previous coursework, advisors will recommend directed elective courses to help students prepare for any sections of the CSET that have not been passed.  Students who pass the CSET examination may have the option of taking other coursework, which may include requirements for a Multiple Subject or Education Specialist Credential. Students who want to incorporate credential coursework as part of their baccalaureate in order to secure a California Multiple Subject Teaching or Special Education Internship Credential should consult with advisors in both the department of Child and Family Studies and in the Division of Curriculum and Instruction. Information regarding credential programs may be found in the Charter College of Education section in the Academic Programs: College-Based and University-Wide chapter for the regulations governing all Teacher Credential Programs.  A grade of C or higher is required in all courses used to meet the major requirements for the Elementary Subject Matter Teacher Preparation Option.

Major courses (45 units)


Students will complete 45 units in the major; at least 27 additional units are required and may be directed from the CSET preparation courses and/or courses leading towards a credential.


*Courses can also be counted towards General Education requirements.

Option II prepares prospective teachers for grades K-8.


Students who pass all sections of the CSET examination may elect to use professional education courses to complete their BA degree. These courses can be applied to towards the completion of a multiple subjects teaching credential. Students who are interested in pursuing the “Multiple Subject Credential” or “Educational Specialist Credential” must complete the additional credential coursework in their area of specialization, as well as the Professional Education Courses required for the credential. Students must consult with an advisor in the Charter College of Education and the appropriate division in order to identify an appropriate academic plan that leads to the credential and completion of all requirements.

Multiple Subjects CSET Preparation Courses

1. Reading, Language and Literature; History and Social Science (CSET Subtest 1)
With major advisor approval, students take courses in the following departments and subjects:
History and Chicano Studies: California History and World History
English: Linguistics and Children’s Literature


2. Science and Mathematics (CSET Subtest II)
With major advisor approval, students take courses in following departments and subjects:
Mathematics: the Math for Elementary and Middle School Teachers sequence
Biology: Life Science for Elementary Teachers


3. Physical Education, Human Development, Visual and Performing Arts (CSET Subtest III)
With major advisor approval, students take courses in the following department and subject: Education:  CSET review
Art: Elementary Classroom Art
Music, Theatre, and Dance: Elementary Classroom Music, Drama, and Dance
Kinesiology: Development of Physical Activity

4. Multiple Subjects CSET Review Course

•    EDEL 4900  
      (May be taken up to three times for credit)

 

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