COURSE CURRICULUM

The Bachelor of Arts in Child, Adolescent, and Family Studies (CAFS) is designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of human development, family dynamics, and the social, cognitive, and emotional growth of children and adolescents. The program requires a total of 120 units for graduation, including 61 units of major coursework. Core courses introduce foundational knowledge in child development, diversity, research methods, developmental psychobiology, assessment, and advanced child and family development. Students also engage in practicum experiences tailored to their focus, choosing between early childhood or child and adolescent settings. Additional core courses allow students to explore language, cognitive, and social-emotional development.The program includes two concentrations, each requiring 28 units. The Early Childhood Development concentration prepares students for work with infants, toddlers, and preschool-aged children. Students take courses in observation and methods, development, effective interactions, activities and programs, health, safety, nutrition, and family engagement, often complemented by lab experiences. This concentration emphasizes practical skills for classroom and community-based early childhood programs, as well as knowledge of historical and contemporary practices in early childhood education, including special education.The Child and Adolescent Development concentration focuses on middle childhood, adolescence, and emerging adulthood. Students complete courses in observation, developmental stages, effective interactions, activities and programs, family and community dynamics, parenting, and the development of exceptional children or psychopathology. Lab experiences provide hands-on opportunities to apply learning with school-age and adolescent populations, emphasizing both theoretical understanding and practical skills.Both concentrations equip students with research, observational, and applied skills needed for careers in education, youth services, counseling, and community programs. Students in the Child Development Honors Program take additional advanced courses during their senior year. The curriculum aligns with the Transfer Model for early childhood and child development degrees, ensuring academic rigor and preparation for professional practice or graduate study. Overall, the program integrates theory, research, and applied experiences to prepare students for leadership roles in supporting the development and well-being of children and adolescents.