Child Development and Family Relations

In this major, you will study current research and strategies to create developmentally appropriate experiences that will help children grow. Understand parenting strategies and ways to enhance the parent-child relationship. Learn how to help parents build a safe and healthy home life for children.

Depending on your career goals, you could learn specialized skills to address the needs of families experiencing domestic violence, substance abuse, illness, death or mental health issues.

Graduates work for community development organizations, government agencies, private companies, Head Start or child care centers.

In class, learn the processes by which individuals become adept at using language, thinking, feeling and relating to others. Study the fundamentals of human development and relationships. Learn scientific methods for assessing and supporting human growth then apply them during field placements.

In the on-campus Child Development Laboratory, observe and document children playing and interacting, create stimulating learning environments and meet with parents to discuss the progress of their children.

Study nutrition, explore work-family balance, and create household budgets.

Students are encouraged to complete an internship during their senior year.

Prepare for Success

This major is a good fit if you can see yourself:

• Being fascinated with how children learn and change.
• Exploring relationships among family, friends and communities.
• Taking a hands-on approach to improving the quality of life for others.

To prepare, you may want to:

• Volunteer in your community.
• Work with children, the elderly or other special-needs groups.
• Develop your leadership skills in student office.

 

Your First Year

Your first year, you will hone your communication skills with course work in writing. You will also take classes that focus on individual and family development and infancy and early childhood.

More advanced major courses will cover such topics as principles and methods of child observation, contemporary family relationships, and intimate relationships.

See the four-year plan.

What You Can Do

With this degree, you’ll have job possibilities such as:

• Program coordinator: Plan and coordinate activities for young children, school children, adolescents and the elderly.
• Family or child advocate: Work for a foundation, nonprofit group, or government agency promoting laws and programs that improve life for children and families.
• Child life specialist: Help children understand health care settings and address the emotional needs of children who are patients.
• Director of early child care program: Supervise early care and education programs such as Head Start, preschools and child care centers.
• Child care provider: Teach children from infancy to age 5 in a child care setting. Plan and create learning experiences and environments for children.

Opportunities

Graduates work for community development organizations, government agencies, private companies, Head Start and child care centers.

You may also choose to continue your education. Earn an advanced degree in social work, counseling, psychology, speech and language pathology, a health care profession, law or other fields.

Current Research

Assist in a faculty member’s research project. Observe meal times at a child care center for a study on feeding young children in group settings. Administer surveys for a study on how single parents balance work and family.

Activities

Family and Consumer Sciences Club: Join the student branch. Attend the state conference and meet professionals.
Palouse Area Association for The Education of Young Children: Advocate for the needs of young children.
Phi Upsilon Omicron: Join the family and consumer sciences honor society.

Hands-On Experience

Intern. Get practical experiences like these:

• Hospital: Advise new parents on resources and support services.
• Community action agency: Assist families with housing and financial planning.
• Boys and Girls Club: Plan an after school program for middle and high school students.
• Senior center: Coordinate physical and social activities for the elderly.

Study abroad. Deepen your understanding of your major—and the world—in countries like these:

• Tanzania: Mentor children in an orphanage.
• India: Visit a child care center.
• Taiwan: Observe a middle school classroom.

Volunteer. Make a difference. Tutor at a local school. Read, sing or play with children at a child care center or Head Start program. Mentor an at-risk child.

Facilities

The on-campus Child Development Laboratory offers a real-world setting to practice and learn.