Breadcrumb
Child Development Elementary Education (Liberal Studies, B.A.)
There’s nothing more rewarding than teaching children of all abilities and backgrounds and in the process, helping them build a foundation for academic and personal success. Our two Child Development Bachelor of Arts programs put you on the path to teaching elementary school students or teaching children who have mild to moderate disabilities. Both programs are grounded in contemporary teaching methods and led by caring faculty who emphasize practical experience working with children, preparing you to hit the ground running after graduation.
Why this Program
Our faculty stay abreast of the most recent research related to the field of Child Development. Research projects, which involve students, are conducted by individual faculty members, as well as by the department as a whole.
Child Development majors work side by side with faculty to provide feedback and support for students in specific classes.Students have opportunities to work in the community, gaining valuable professional experiences that integrate theory into practice.
This program is a pathway to a teaching credential. It is subject matter approved by the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CTC) and offers at least 24 units of Child Development to meet the CTC subject matter requirements for the PK-3 Early Child Education Specialist Instruction Credential.
Concentrations
The Liberal Studies, B.A. has a core set of courses that focus on 21st century teaching approaches and emphasize the traditional disciplines taught in elementary schools. The Child Development/ Elementary Education Concentration is designed for students who wish to become elementary school teachers in grades K-6. Students take courses in traditional disciplines taught in elementary schools alongside courses focusing on developmental characteristics of children.
The Liberal Studies Child Development Integrated Special Education Credential Program (LSCD SPED ITEP) allows stu- dents to complete a B.A. in Liberal Studies and a Preliminary Special Education Credential in four years. In this unique California Subject Matter approved program, with a col- laboration between the Department of Child Development and the Special Education Credential program in the School of Education, students apply for the credential program in their third year. Students who are not admitted to the Cre- dential Program or find new career paths can change their major to Child Development & Family Relationships or Liber- al Studies Child Development/Elementary Education (LSCE).
Did you know?
- Our faculty partner with local tribes and organizations to provide professional development, consultation, and early college learning experiences.
- The Child Development Lab founded in 1968 by Dr. Emilia Tschanz, will be relocated to a newly remodeled Trinity Annex in Fall 2023, serving multiple generations of families.
- Several of our students are athletes, parents, and volunteers/leaders in the Youth Educational Services program. Many of our alumni work as professionals in the community and provide mentorship and networking to current students through experiential learning or visiting our professional development class.
Careers
The program is designed for students who wish to become elementary school teachers in grades K-6. Students take courses in traditional disciplines taught in elementary schools alongside courses focusing on developmental characteristics of children.
