Child Development (Liberal Studies) A program at Humboldt State University
The Liberal Studies Child Development major is designed to help students interpret and integrate the ever-growing body of knowledge about children and their environments and determine implications and applications of that information. A mix of traditional coursework and practical experiences help students practice and learn Child Development. Special attention is given to examining the implications of theories, research, and policies in a changing world.
The Child Development major includes the following concentration options: ⇒
Liberal Studies Child Development (LSCD)
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Liberal Studies Child Development Elementary Education (LSCE)
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Table of Contents Title
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Child Development Concentrations…………………………………………………….….2 Table of Contents……………………………………………….………………………..………….3 Major Overview.……………………………………………...……………………..…………..4-5 Child Development and Related Job Titles………………………………....…..........5 Possible Employers………………………………………...……………………………………….6 Marketable Skills……………………………………………….…………………………………....7 Additional Resources……………………………………………………………………………….8 Finding More Information………………………………..………………………………….....9
Overview The Child Development Department offers two routes to a BA degree: 1. The Liberal Studies Child Development (LSCD) route allows students flexibility in their coursework. The major requires each student to complete 58-59 units plus general education requirements and electives. Within the major, every student must complete the 34 unit core and then each student completes their remaining 24-25 units of major coursework by selecting courses within one of three tacks. The three tracks are (a) the teaching track, (b) the child and family services track or (c) the specialized study track. Within the teaching track, students further select the early childhood education option, the elementary education option, or the special education/early intervention option. A visual representation of the listing of courses for each track and the three options within the teaching track can be found at Liberal Studies Child Development Curriculum Chart and the HSU catalog descriptions may be found atLiberal Studies Child Development Degree Requirements. This LSCD degree is appropriate for students planning to enter: •
Teaching of infants/toddlers, preschoolers, elementary aged students, or early childhood special education
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Teaching in the public schools in California, other states, or internationally
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Fields in public policy and advocacy for children and families
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Graduate programs in fields like psychology, social work, Child Life Specialists, or child therapy
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Fields that serve families and children or intervention services (e.g., Parent/Family Life Education, Early Head Start, Family Preservation, Juvenile Justice, etc.)
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Recreation leadership and other child and family related professional activities
2. The Liberal Studies Child Development Elementary Education (LSCE) route is designed for students who are interested in teaching in elementary schools. The HSU catalog description may be found at Liberal Studies Child Development Elementary Education Degree Requirements. The LSCE major focuses on the integration of knowledge of the subject matter taught at the elementary level with knowledge of the characteristics of children and of the theories and methodologies appropriate to working with school age children. This option is a second way for students to prepare to enter into teacher credential programs.
Visit the website for more: http://www2.humboldt.edu/cdblog/
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BA Child Development (Liberal Studies) The major provides a holistic approach to the study of children birth to eighteen. When students take the core courses they will be oriented to basic principles, theories, and practices of child development. After completing the core classes students select courses in an emphasis and specialization area that provide greater depth and/or breadth in related topics. The emphasis and specialization areas can be designed to provide opportunities for career preparation. Students completing the degree requirements earn a Bachelor of Arts with a major in Liberal Studies/ Child Development or Liberal Studies/ Elementary Education.
Related Job Titles Child Development is a broad major that offers diverse job opportunities. The following is a sample of the myriad opportunities available for Child Development majors; many other job alternatives may exist. Some require further education. • • • • • • •
Adolescent Activity Specialist After School Program Leader Child Abuse Prevention Worker Child Advocate Child Care Consultant Children’s Center Director Children’s Music Specialist Curriculum Specialist Director of Child/ Family Ser-vices Early Intervention Specialist Family or Child Advocate Family Resource Specialist Home Health Aid Infant/Toddler Intervention Workers
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Licensing Representative Nanny Parent Educator Peace Corps /Americorp Volunteer Preschool Teacher or Director Public Policy Analyst Recreation Leader Researcher Resources and Referral Provider Social Service Provider Special Education Teacher Teacher’s Aid Youth Counselor Youth Services Coordinator
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Possible Employers Private and Non-Profit: Pre-schools Day Care Centers Environmental Education Programs Private Schools
Outdoor Recreation After School Programs YMCA Scouts of America Private Day Care Centers
Preschools Private Schools Summer Camps
Education Resource Center Health Services Resources Administration Office of Elementary and Secondary Education Office of Juvenile Justice and
Office of Civil Rights Public Health Service Rehabilitation Services Smithsonian Institute Veterans Administration
Federal Agencies: Administration for Children and Families Delinquency Prevention Department of Education Department of Health and Human Services
State, County & Local Agencies Big Brother/ Big Sister Child Care Facilities Health Services Department Juvenile Justice Services Libraries Hospitals
Mental Health Clinics Museums Parks & Recreation Department Public Schools
Welfare Department Youth Authority
A Bachelors Degree is designed to give you the Top Skills employers are looking for. According to the National Association of Colleges and Employers, the top ten are: •
Effective communication
Analyzing quantitative data
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Working in a team structure
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Making decisions/ solving problems
Proficiency with computers and software
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Planning/organizing and prioritizing work
Creating and editing written reports
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Selling and influencing others
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Self efficiency
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Obtaining and processing information
Marketable Skills In Your Major Group and Teamwork
Creating Reports
Training and encouraging students
Interviewing and counseling techniques
Client professionalism
Contributing Ideas
Designing and implementing curriculum
Cooperative communication
Effective Communication
Reading and Summarizing
Speaking to groups
Working in a team structure
Analyzing Quantitative Data
Planning appropriate activities
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Resources Professional Associations
National Association for the Education of Young Children Association of American Educators National Art Education Association National Counsel for Teachers of English International Reading Association Modern Language Association National Association of Independent Schools California Association of Employment in Education
Graduate School • • • •
GradSchools.com Peterson's College Source Graduate Admissions Essays: Donald Asher
Job Search
HSU Handshake Edjoin Humboldt County Office of Education Indeed.com SchoolSpring Teachers-Teachers Education America Idealist Campstaff Internships.com InternMatch.com
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Further Exploration... To continue to explore majors, discuss your interests or further research career goals contact a career advisor at (707)826-3341 or visit Gist Hall, Room 114. If you have specific questions regarding the major, contact the Child Development department at (707)826-3471, childdev@humboldt.edu or visit Harry Griffith Hall, Room 229.