Welcome to the University of Pittsburgh Program in Child Development and Child Care

Description of the Field

The professional field of child development focuses on the infant, child, and adolescent, including those with special needs, within the context of the family, the community, and the lifespan. The developmental/ecological perspective emphasizes the interaction between persons and the physical and social environments, including the cultural and political setting. Professional practitioners are equipped to promote the optimal development of normal and special needs children and youth in a variety of settings, including community mental health, day treatment, group homes, residential centers, detention centers, early care and education, early intervention, home-based care and treatment, psychiatric centers, and pediatric health care programs.

This includes skills in making complex assessments about clients and program needs, designing and implementing programs and planned environments, integrating therapeutic and developmental requirements into the life space, contributing to the development of knowledge and practice, and participating in systems intervention through supervision, administration, teaching, consultation, and advocacy.

Karen VanderVen, Ph.D. Program Director
 
Program in Child Development and Child Care
School of Social Work
1717 Cathedral of Learning
Pittsburgh, PA 15260
 
E-mail: narr+@pitt.edu
Phone: (412) 624-2909
FAX:   (412) 624-6361