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Undergraduate Studies in Education College of Education

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Child and Adolescent Development

About Child and Adolescent Development

Child and Adolescent Development is the study of the biological, physical, socio-emotional, and cognitive growth and development of the child from conception through emerging adulthood. Using theory, empirical research, and practice, this rigorous academic program prepares students to work as agents of social change with diverse populations of children, adolescents, emerging adults, and families in a variety of areas, including education, advocacy, research, policy, counseling, and/or other settings.

Degrees Offered

  • BA CHAD, Concentration in Early Development, Care, and Education

    The Child and Adolescent Development concentration in Early Development, Care and Education seeks to prepare students to understand and apply developmental perspectives and engage in ethical and reflective practices working with young children from birth through 8 years of age and their families. This concentration is appropriate for students interested in working with diverse groups of young children and families in early childhood settings including early care and preschool settings and/or as preparation for advanced degree and professional programs. Upon completion of the BA in Early Development, Care, and Education, graduates are eligible for the Child Development Teacher Permit.

  • BA CHAD, Concentration in Educational Contexts

    The concentration in Educational Contexts seeks to prepare students to understand and apply developmental perspectives and engage in ethical and reflective practices within the educational context. Recognizing that a developmental perspective is essential to effective teaching, the concentration prepares students to consider the diverse physical, cognitive, cultural, linguistic, behavioral, social, and emotional needs of children and their families in the teaching and learning process. Students will be able to utilize developmental research and theory in their teaching practices to support student learning in various educational contexts.

  • BA CHAD, Concentration in Social and Community Contexts

    The concentration in Social and Community Contexts seeks to prepare students to support developmental trajectories of children, adolescents, and emerging adults through application of theory and research into practice with diverse community settings. This concentration fosters students’ abilities to apply ecological perspectives and engage in ethical and reflective practices within the local and professional community. Graduates will be able to communicate developmental research to various audiences and collaborate with community stakeholders that provide resources to support the strengths of diverse individuals.
  • BA CHAD, College of Continuing Education
  • Minor in Child and Adolescent Development
  • Minor in Counseling
  • Master of Arts, Child and Adolescent Development

Career Options

Child and Adolescent Development students pursue careers in elementary school teaching; preschool teaching and administration; child-care and after-school care employment; parent education, or work in a variety of counseling, social service and community agencies. The undergraduate major also prepares students for graduate studies in child development, elementary or special education, human development, social work, or counseling.

Contacts

Program Coordinator: Dr. Kristen Alexander
Branch Chair: Dr. Sue Hobbs

Faculty Directory

Resources for all CHAD Students

The Child Development Permit authorizes the holder to provide service in the care, development and instruction of children in a childcare and development program. It verifies that you have fulfilled the course requirements established by the Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CTC), for assisting, teaching or supervising in a child development program in the state of California. More information can be found below.

For more information, please contact a Child Development Permit advisor