Overview

The five emphases include: foundations of Child Development, child and environmental assessment and study, developmental context, professionalism, and critical thinking. Students know from the first semester what learning areas will be addressed and what skills they can expect to have upon graduation.

The program at California State University Chico, includes the following innovative components:

• Interdisciplinary coursework ranging from the fine arts to the natural and physical sciences,
• Integration of supervised field experiences and internships with academic studies, and
• Opportunities to apply principles and best practices in campus child laboratory facilities.

Required Internships

There are three levels of supported internship experiences totaling over 250 hours. The first level is observing and working with children at an "introductory" level in an agency serving children. The second level is direct work with children in campus child laboratory facilities. The final level is as a member of a professional team in one of over 40 social service agencies that provide a broad range of services to children, from birth to 18 and their families. Students receive academic credit for internships. Students may engage in different types of internships or custom-design their own program based on career goals.

Career Outlook

Emphasis is placed on critical thinking, writing, computer literacy, public speaking, and leadership skills, allowing majors to find jobs in many different areas.

Child Development graduates meet California State academic requirements for the Child Development Permit at the Site Supervisor level, which allows the holder to direct an early childhood program. Career opportunities include counseling, social work, family resource and referral specialization, elementary education, parent education, family service coordination, early education and intervention specialization, childcare administration, and human service positions. Advanced study may be needed for some career options.