Bachelor of Science in Child Development and Family Studies

The undergraduate program in Child Development and Family Studies (CDFS) leads to a Bachelor of Science degree in which students choose from four curriculum options: Pre-K certification with an endorsement in Pre-K-K special needs, Pre-K certification only, Child Development and Family Studies (non-certified), or Family and Youth studies. The learning goals of the CDFS program in the certification and child development tracks focuses on birth through age five with an emphasis on preparing students to work with young children and families. A further goal of the certification tracks is to prepare students to meet the requirements for licensure of the West Virginia Department of Education following graduation. The certification options are best suited for students interested in working in public school programs as a certified teacher or in child care facilities. The Family and Youth track extends the students preparation to youth and adolescents. The on-campus Bachelor of Science degree in child development and family studies offers the Birth through Pre-Kindergarten and Family and Youth curriculum pathways to choose from. Birth through Pre-Kindergarten The birth through pre-kindergarten curriculum pathway encompasses the social, emotional, intellectual, and physical development of young children in the family and early childhood contexts. The West Virginia University Child Development Laboratory (Nursery School) provides students with valuable learning experiences as they plan and implement preschool programming. This pathway offers the following options of study: Preschool Education, Birth - Age 5 with Pre-School Special Needs Pre-K-K Endorsement Option Preschool Education, Birth - Age 5 Option Child Development (Non-Certification) Option Family and Youth family The Family and Youth Studies curriculum pathway is designed for students with interests in working with children, adolescents, and/or families. Students in this option may be seeking careers working with these segments of the population in such settings as youth or family service agencies or as Child Live Specialists in medical settings. This option is also appropriate for students who will pursue graduate studies in child or human development, family studies, education, developmental psychology, marriage and family therapy, social work, and related fields. ONLINE PROGRAM The online undergraduate program in child development and family studies leads to a B.S. which is ideal for off-campus individuals who must obtain a degree with certification in Pre-K – Age 5 to maintain employment, or for anyone who wants to enter the field of early childhood education earning a four-year degree. The degree satisfies state and federal mandates that require child care workers in preschool programs to have a formal recognition of their training with young children. Birth to Age 4 with Pre-K Certification Option CEHS's new Bachelor of Science in Child Development and Family Studies Program - birth to age 4 with Pre-K Certification option - is ideal for off-campus individuals who must obtain a degree with certification in Pre-K to maintain their employment in the field of early childhood education, as well as for other off campus individuals who want to enter the field with a four-year degree. Career Profile Individuals choosing a major in Child Development and Family Studies may select a professional focus from a wide variety of areas including child care specialist, early childhood teacher, developmental specialist, child life educator, parent educator, parent educator, extension specialist and family life specialist.