Child and Family Studies
The A.S. Degree in Child and Family Studies is an interdisciplinary option for those curious about teaching and also interested in other related careers. Graduates can transfer to pursue a variety of B.A. Degree programs such as Education, Childhood Studies, Human Development, Social Work, and Counseling. The Child and Family Studies curriculum provides a strong foundation for those directly entering the workforce as well as students pursuing further education.
The interdisciplinary nature of this degree ensures that candidates develop theoretical and practical knowledge in areas such as child development, family studies, humanities, mathematics, technology, social sciences, biological sciences, the arts, and multicultural/global perspectives.
The Early Childhood Programs provide outstanding instruction and experiential learning to prepare students for advanced study and child-related careers in a diverse and changing world. The curriculum is aligned with state and national standards and blends academic and professional preparation in a wide variety of courses.
A.S. Child and Family Studies
(P5134)
| GENERAL EDUCATION FOUNDATION | ||
| Communication | 6 | |
| English Composition I | ||
| English Composition II | ||
| Math/Science/Tech | 12 | |
Lab Science Elective | ||
Mathematics Elective | ||
| Computer Technology and Applications | ||
| Social Sciences | 6 | |
| General Psychology | ||
| Principles of Sociology | ||
| Humanities Elective | 3 | |
| General Education Electives | 6 | |
Diversity Elective | ||
Communication Elective | ||
| Child & Family Studies Core | 27 | |
| Child Psychology | ||
| Developmental Psychology - the Human Lifespan | ||
| Introduction to Social Welfare and Human Services | ||
| Early Childhood Development | ||
| Music in Early Childhood (OR ENG-118 Children's Literature) | ||
| Curriculum, Teaching and Learning in Early Childhood Education | ||
| CDA Capstone: Effective Preschool Practices | ||
| The Family | ||
| Special Topics in Psychology | ||
| GENERAL EDUCATION FOUNDATION Credits | 60 | |
Dr. Melissa Kasmin
Associate Professor, Psychology and Education
Ph.D, Rutgers University
MSW, University of Michigan
BA, Kenyon College
DH 323 973-328-5631, mkasmin@ccm.edu
Dr. Jessica Shackil
Assistant Professor, Psychology and Education
Ed.D., Caldwell University,
M.Ed, Montclair State University,
B.A., Montclair State University
DH 323 973-328-5621, jshackil@ccm.edu
CDA Educational Endorsement Certificate
| CDC-110 | Early Childhood Development | 3 |
| CDC-210 | Curriculum, Teaching and Learning in Early Childhood Education | 3 |
| CDC-220 | CDA Capstone: Effective Preschool Practices | 3 |
Childcare Specialist Certificate
| Communications | 3 | |
| English Composition I | ||
| Social Science | 9 | |
| General Psychology | ||
| Principles of Sociology | ||
| Child Psychology | ||
| General Education Diversity Elective (Choose two of the following) | 6 | |
| Children's Literature | ||
| The Family | ||
| Psychology and Education of the Disabled | ||
| Childcare Specialist Core | 15 | |
| Music in Early Childhood | ||
or PSY-217 | Educational Psychology | |
| Early Childhood Development | ||
| Curriculum, Teaching and Learning in Early Childhood Education | ||
| CDA Capstone: Effective Preschool Practices | ||
| Internship Experience - Education (135-300 hours) 1 | ||
| Total Credits | 33 | |
- 1
Students should consult their academic advisors when selecting these courses.
Courses
CDC-110. Early Childhood Development. 3 Credits.
LECT 45 hrs
This course studies the growth and development of the child from birth through age eight. It will cover a variety of factors that influence child development such as diversity, culture, health, economic and family environment. Also it provides an overview of the major theorists in the field of human development. There will be discussion regarding these theorists' contributions to understanding how children grow and learn. Students will have the opportunity to observe and report on a variety of teaching and learning venues.
CDC-210. Curriculum, Teaching and Learning in Early Childhood Education. 3 Credits.
LECT 45 hrs
This course studies designing, implementing, and evaluating developmentally appropriate curriculum for children birth through age eight with a focus on language and literacy, social and emotional learning, creative arts, and social studies, math, science and technology. It will cover practical applications of theories and current research in early childhood education, methods of observing children's behavior and progress, and strategies for developing and using curriculum in all aspects of the daily routine. Attention will be given to anti-bias curriculum and elements of diversity that can influence learning including cultural backgrounds, gender, sexual orientation, religion, English language learners, socio-economic status, family circumstances, and children with special needs. A field work component includes observation of curriculum and teaching and learning in an Early Childhood Education setting.
Prerequisites: CDC-110 is a pre and/or co-requisite
Corequisites: CDC-110 is a pre and/or co-requisite.
CDC-220. CDA Capstone: Effective Preschool Practices. 3 Credits.
LECT 45 hrs
This course studies effective, practical, research-based methods for developing preschool teachers. Course content is aligned with the national competency standards for the Child Development Associate (CDA) Credential. It will cover the essentials of planning a safe environment, advancing children's development, building family partnerships, program operations, professional development, authentic assessment, and principles of developmentally appropriate learning. Attention will also be given to current research on brain development in young children, designing the learning environment, professional ethics, and cultural competence.
Corequisites: CDC-210 is a pre and/or co-requisite.
CDC-228. Cooperative Work Experience- Child Care. 3 Credits.
COOP 45 hrs
This course provides selected students in the Early Childhood programs with job-oriented training and practical experience in a work environment. Students desiring to participate in this experience should make this intention known to the Faculty Special Projects person at the beginning of their third semester.
Prerequisites: Permission of department chair
Corequisites: CDC-229.