Child Development & Family Studies

The Child Development & Family Studies program provides students with two option areas based on certification recommendations made by the professional organizations in each field of interest. The Birth through Pre-kindergarten Early Childhood Education option provides choices that may meet the standards for certification of the WV State Department of Education in Birth Through Pre-kindergarten Education. The Family Life Education option prepares students for certification as a Family Life Educator.

The Birth through Pre-kindergarten Early Childhood Education option focuses on the social, emotional, intellectual, and physical development of children. Students are trained to plan programs, perform developmental assessments, and interact with young children in developmentally appropriate ways. Settings for internship experiences include the West Virginia University Child Development Laboratory (Nursery School) for preschool children and placements in community childcare centers to work with infants and toddlers. Upon graduation, students may apply for the WV State Department of Education Certification in Birth through Pre-kindergarten Education.

In collaboration with Fairmont State University, starting in 2005, the Program is also offering an Early Childhood Director’s Credential. This credential is offered in three tiers, with the three stars credential being the most and the one star credential being the least demanding.

The Family Life Education option provides the basic education for students interested in working with families, including adolescents, parents, or adults working on relationship issues. The student takes courses that support the development of knowledge and skills in the ten family life substance areas selected by the National Council of Family Relations as essential for an individual seeking certification as a Family Life Educator. The certification is a voluntary credential that requires the individual to complete a degree in an approved program and to have at least two years of work experience in family life education settings. Our program has been approved by the National Council on Family Relations. All students are required to complete internships at community family-focused agencies. Students in this option may wish to consider completing a certificate in Women’s Studies, Gerontology and/or Disability Studies or a minor in Communication Studies.