Behavioral Health Science - Infancy and Early Childhood Studies Grand Canyon University

Overview

Students gain the knowledge and skills necessary to work with young children and advocate the importance of the family structure and other caregiving systems.

In the Behavioral Health Science program for Infancy and Early Childhood Studies from Grand Canyon University, students take courses on behavioral science and health, counseling, human development, abnormal psychology, family dynamics, infancy and early childhood development and more, in addition to a capstone project.

GCU’s Behavioral Health Science - Infancy and Early Childhood Studies degree program addresses the university’s five critical competencies, including: effective communication, critical thinking, Christian worldview, leadership and global awareness, perspective and ethics. This program also upholds six academic domains:

Domain 1: Concepts of Behavioral Health

Analyze various concepts of behavioral health, such as the history and current trends, theories, approaches and techniques, along with research and best practices.

Domain 2: Behavioral Health Skills

Analyze  key behavioral health skills, such as the DSM manual and ICD codes, emerging brain technology, clinical and documentation skills, along with ethics and specific laws and rules. Discuss the role of assessment, diagnosis and treatment for clients and analyze the scope of practice for behavioral health paraprofessionals and technicians.

Domain 3: Cultural Competency

Discuss how culture, diversity and social justice impact the behavioral health field. Define the role of religion and spirituality in providing behavioral health services and examine the values and belief systems of behavioral health disorders among cultures.

Domain 4: Behavioral Health Information Technology

Evaluate the use of diverse technology for behavioral health, such as electronic medical and health records, record keeping and other related software. Analyze the importance of privacy, security and confidentiality with patient records.

Domain 5: Professional Network

Examine the importance of a professional network in the field of behavioral health, such as roles and expectations, internal and external multidisciplinary teams, along with local and national service entities. Discuss the role of managed care and integrated health system.

Domain 6: Infancy and Early Childhood Studies

Identify various concepts of early childhood behavioral health and development, different assessment and treatment approaches and the DC: 0-5 disorders affecting young children. Describe how culture and environment, early risk and protective factors and the caregiving system contribute to the development and well-being of young children.

Careers

Graduates of the early childhood studies and infancy program can pursue a career in behavioral health, health services management, human services, government and law enforcement. Additionally, this curriculum offers a strong foundation for students who want to pursue a master’s degree in mental and behavioral health, criminal justice, clinical or forensic psychology or human services.