Program Description
The B.S. program in Child Development and Child Care
began in 1970. The goal of the program is to prepare the
graduate to give high-quality developmental service to
children, youth, and families and to undertake
responsibility as developmental specialists and/or child and
youth care specialists in a variety of settings: preschools,
day care centers, child/youth development programs
(community centers and church programs), day and residential
treatment programs, community mental health agencies,
detention centers, psychiatric centers, pediatric centers,
pediatric health care programs, and home-based care and
treatment.
The curriculum is organized into four terms of
upper-division (junior and senior year) study. The
curriculum encompasses developmental theory and research
from birth through adolescence, family dynamics, cultural
distinction, developmental disabilities, psychopathology,
curriculum and activity planning, clinical skills, and an
introduction to management. Internship is considered an
essential part of preparation for professional work with
children and youth. Students spend 300 to 600 hours in
internship placements. Flexibility in the curriculum is
provided through elective options and internship placements.
Program Endorsement and Listing
The B.S. Program in Child Development and Child Care of
the University of Pittsburgh is endorsed as an academic
program by the National Organization of Child Care Worker
Associations (NOCCWA). The program is also listed as an
academic program to prepare Child Life Specialists by the
Child Life Council.
 Back to Child Development Home
Page
 B.S. Curriculum.
|
