Child Development and Family Studies - CDFS
CDFS Faculty |
BS Program
The undergraduate program in Child Development and Families Studies consists of a B.S. of which students can choose from two curriculum options:
Birth through Pre-Kindergarten Early Childhood Education
This option focuses on the social, emotional, intellectual, and physical development of children. Students are trained to plan programs, perform developmental assessments, and interact with young children in developmentally appropriate ways. Settings for internship experiences include the West Virginia University Child Development Laboratory (Nursery School, click for brochure, PDF file) for preschool children and placements in community childcare centers to work with infants and toddlers. Upon graduation, students may apply for the WV State Department of Education Certification in Birth through Pre-Kindergarten Education.
Family and Youth Studies
Program provides skills and knowledge to enrich individual and family life. It includes knowledge about how families work; the interrelationship of families and society; human growth and development throughout the life span; the physiological and psychological aspects of human sexuality; the impact of money and time management on daily family life; the importance and value of parent education; the effects of policy and legislation on families; ethical considerations in professional conduct; and a solid understanding and knowledge of how to teach and/or develop curriculum for what are often sensitive and personal issues.
Early Childhood Director's Credential
This creditial is offered is three tiers, with the three starts credential being the most and the one star credential being the least demanding. Click here for a PDF brochure describing the Early Childhood Director's Credential opportunity.
EDP CDFS M.A. Program
The Child Development and Family Studies graduate program is a major option within the Educational Psychology EDP program. The major provides students with opportunities for conducting research and working with families and children in both educational and clinical settings. Courses in child development, family studies, parenting strategies, and interpersonal communication skills are supplemented with field experiences in a variety of settings. Students also are prepared for continuing study in doctoral programs in Child Development and Family Studies, Sociology, Special Education, Psychology, and Counseling.
Child Development Laboratory - The Nursery School
The West Virginia University Child Development Laboratory (The Nursery School), a unit of Technology, Learning and Culture, is designed to provide observational opportunities and practicum experience for West Virginia University students majoring in child development and family studies, curriculum and instruction, and other related areas.
