Your future in Child Development and Family Studies
The online Birth through 5/Pre-K non-certification option focuses on development
from birth through age eight, with an emphasis on preparing students to work
with young children and families.
Students will also complete field experiences and internships in early childhood
settings, including Pre-K classrooms, hospitals, afterschool programs, and
childcare centers. The CDFS degree is best suited for students interested
working with young children and their families, including careers as a developmental
specialist, parent educator, and early childhood resiliency specialist.
The Benefits to Choosing Our Program
Students in the Birth through 5/Pre-Kindergarten option of Child Development
and Family Studies will acquire:
- Knowledge of the social, emotional, intellectual, and physical development
of young children in the family and preschool contexts.
- Skills in implementing appropriate curricula as well as developmental and
performance assessments.
- Ability to construct positive and enriched early childhood environments where
the young have the opportunity to develop skills for lifelong learning.
- Knowledge of current best practices that prepare young children to be competent,
independent learners.
- Ability to reflect on one’s knowledge and skills of teaching and interacting
with young children.
- Knowledge of how young children learn in order to prepare educational activities
in inclusive environments.
- Extensive field experiences with various ages of young children--infants,
toddlers and preschoolers and young school age.
Why choose a career in Child Development and Family Studies?
A career in the area of child development and family studies provides opportunities
to support children, families, and communities to meet their greatest potential.
This type of career allows for individuals to work with people to build better
communities. Also see more examples of why social science careers are impactful
here:
whysocialscience.com.
Career Outlook for Child Development and Family Studies
Students who graduate from WVU Online with the Child Development and Family
Studies B.S. degree may be prepared for the following careers. These are
only a few examples of some of the many opportunities that will be open to
you with this degree. Advanced degrees or certifications may be required
for some positions.
Information about careers on this list comes from the Occupational Information
Network (O*NET) of the U.S. Department of Labor/Employment and Training
Administration (USDOL/ETA).