Child Development: Early Childhood
Why study child development at CMU?
The child development program at CMU explores the growth and development of children - from infancy through adolescence. This program addresses several areas of study - elementary education, early childhood, and general studies - and prepares students for graduate studies and a variety of interesting and challenging careers. Consider these key features distinguishing this program at CMU:
- Practical experience working with children through CMU's Human Growth and Development Laboratory
- Career enhancement through service learning activities, internship opportunities, and a required senior capstone experience
- Professional development through organizations such as the Michigan Association for the Education of Young Children
- Opportunity to live and learn in the state's only residential college designed for students interested in the fields of education and human services
Career outlook
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook, for all occupations through the year 2014:
- Programs to improve early childhood education, such as full day kindergarten and universal preschool, along with projected higher enrollment growth for preschool age children will create many new jobs for preschool teachers.
- Wage and salary jobs in the child day care services industry are projected to grow 38 percent.
- Employment of preschool age teachers is expected to grow 27 percent or more.
Career options
Graduates of the child development program at CMU will find careers in a variety of areas. Some of these may require additional education.
- Head Start Program Coordinator
- School-Readiness Teacher
- Private/Traditional Preschool Teacher
- Child Care Facility Owner/Director
- Child Advocate
- Child Development Trainer
- Community Activity Director
- Youth Services Director
Program Overview
The course listings below are a representation of what this academic program requires.
For a full review of this program in detail please see our official online academic bulletin
AND consult with an academic advisor. This listing does not include the General Education
courses required for all majors and may not include some program specific information, such as admissions, retention, and termination standards.
(Click on the course name or number for a complete course description.)
Child Development Major:Early Childhood Concentration
Child Development is an interdisciplinary field of study that examines the growth and development of children in their social contexts.
The Early Childhood Concentration is a structured plan of study designed to meet the training guidelines of the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC). This concentration is especially appropriate for students who plan on working in early childhood settings such as childcare centers, preschools, and Head Start programs. Students interested in a child development major or minor in the B.S. in Education Degree should refer to the appropriate major in this bulletin.
All students must take Section I - Core Requirements and select a concentration.
( Total: 40 Semester hours )
(12 hours)
Core Courses I
Development and Professional Foundations
3
HDF 100 Lifespan Development
Study of the basic principles of human development and their relation to family interactions throughout the lifespan. (University Program Group III-A) Recommended: Students who have taken EDU 280 or PSY 220 should seek departmental advice prior to enrollment.
3
HDF 219 Field Work
This course examines service learning and potential career paths for professionals in Human Development and Family Studies. Field placements required. Prerequisites: A signed major in Child Development or Family Studies; HDF 100 or HDF 211 or PSY 220.
3
HDF 307 Parent-Child Relations
The study of the parent-child relationship, and the impact of that relationship on the development of both children and parents. Prerequisite: one of: HDF 100, EDU 280, or PSY 220.
3
HDF 308 Theories of Child and Adolescent Development
Survey of child and adolescent theories of development. Prerequisites: HDF 100 or EDU 280 or PSY 220; Signed major or minor in Child Development, or in Family Studies.
(3 hours)
Core Courses II
Family, Diversity, and Developmental Context
Select one of the following:
3
HDF 211 Marriage and Close Relationships
This course examines the cultural and historical factors and processes that affect the development of marital, familial, and other close relationships across the life course.
3
HDF 291 Human Environmental Studies: Family Ecology
Holistic approach to studying families: emphasis on the dynamic interaction of families with surrounding environments and career options associated with interaction of families and environments.
(3 hours)
Core Courses III
Family, Diversity, and Developmental Context
Select one of the following:
3
HDF 110 Oppression: Roots and Impact on Human Development in the United States
Examines the roots and impact of different forms of oppression on the development of individuals within the family context. (University Program Group IV-C) This course is approved for offering in a distance learning format.
3
HDF 212 Families in Cultural Perspective
The varieties of family forms and resulting patterns of interpersonal relations to be found throughout Western history and in selected Western and non-Western cultures. (University Program Group III-B)
3
SPE 126 Introduction to Special Education
Education of students who deviate significantly from the norm intellectually, physically, emotionally, socially, or educationally.
3
SPE 550 Teaching Culturally Diverse Students
Survey of sociocultural influences on the performance of students from varying backgrounds, and educational provisions made for them in public schools including an anti-bias curriculum. This course is approved for offering in a distance learning format. Prerequisites: Junior standing or graduate status.
(7 hours)
Required Courses I
Developmental Emphasis
3
HDF 302 Human Growth and Development: Infancy
Pregnancy, prenatal development, childbirth, and the development of infants and toddlers (to 3 years) within the family and the larger social systems. Prerequisite: HDF 100 or EDU 280 or PSY 220.
4
HDF 303 Early Childhood Development
Principles for growth and development of preschool and early elementary children (ages 3-8) from diverse backgrounds and observation of children in early education settings. Prerequisite: HDF 100 or EDU 280 or PSY 220.
(15 hours)
Required Courses II
Professional Methods
4
HDF 402 Guidance for Young Children
Methods and theories of guidance for working with children in early childhood settings. Supervised laboratory experiences. Prerequisite(s): HDF 200, HDF 302, 303 with a grade of C+ or better. Senior Status. Recommended: HDF 403
3
HDF 403 Best Practices in Early Childhood Settings
Knowledge and application of evidence-based practices in early childhood settings. Opportunities to plan experiences in all curricular areas. Prerequisite(s): HDF 200; HDF 302, 303 with a grade of C+ or better. Recommended: HDF 402.
8
HDF 409 Lead Teaching in Early Childhood
Development of professional skills for working with young children and families. Supervised lead teaching experience in the Child Development and Learning Laboratory. Prerequisites: SPE 585, HDF 309, C+ or better in HDF 402 and 403. Pre/Co-requisite: HDF 400.