Child Development

Welcome to the Child Development Department!

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The program in Child Development focuses on the study of the individual from conception through the end of adolescence in a plurality of contexts. Students are provided with fundamental knowledge of theoretical and methodological advances, developmental processes and current issues in the field. A unique feature of the curriculum is the inclusion of courses that are of special relevance to students from Southern California.

We believe that child development professionals play an important role in society with a significant impact on children. To ensure that our students graduate as well prepared professionals, our program rests on three fundamental elements: 

Knowledge: providing a solid foundation in the scientific understanding of children’s development through academic rigor

Skills: providing opportunities to develop skills in observing and working with children through field experiences

Integrity: emphasizing the development of professional and personal qualities of reliability, accountability, ethics, preparation, collegiality, and compassion

Child Development Program Learning Outcomes 

1. Describe and summarize (basic), apply (intermediate), and critically evaluate and synthesize (advanced) constructs, theories, and empirical findings pertaining to child development including developmental milestones and processes in the physical, cognitive, and social-emotional domains from conception through adolescence.
2. Incorporate Diversity: analyze and illustrate how culture, gender, ethnicity, social class, and contextual variables contribute to variation in development.
3. Demonstrate research knowledge and skills: explain and apply the scientific method; describe, evaluate, and apply research and observation methods used in the study of children’s development; and calculate and interpret basic statistics.
4. Demonstrate effective oral and written communication skills that reflect the ability to summarize (basic), apply (intermediate), and evaluate/synthesize (advanced) developmental theories and empirical findings and that are consistent with the professional and ethical standards of the child development field.
5. Develop and demonstrate professional and personal skills and qualities related to the field of child development (e.g., observation techniques, curriculum development/implementation, leadership and team work, professional ethics, accountability, reliability)
6. Demonstrate technological and computer literacy that permits the access, utilization, production, and dissemination of electronic information.

Department Office

Location: James L. Welch Hall (WH) A320DD
Phone: (310) 243-2029
Email: cdevelopment@csudh.edu