Developing Child and Families - Minor

The Developing Child and Families minor enhances students’ awareness while preparing for future interprofessional work with young children (0-8 years of age) and their families in diverse times. The minor offers coursework on multicultural perspectives on whole-child development as well as principles and practices in programs, services, and supports designed for young children and their families. Beyond refining and enhancing competencies to work with young children, the Developing Child and Families minor also reinforces the importance of service to one’s community through the intentional integration of service-learning in the capstone class.

The 18 credit Developing Child and Families minor integrates interprofessional courses to develop a foundation of knowledge for those interested in working with children 0-8 years and their families. Instructional delivery is both lecture based and service-learning.

Program Objectives

• Expand students’ awareness of topics influencing children’s development in multicultural and interprofessional contexts
• To encounter current issues and challenges in early childhood care, programming and education
• To engage in meaningful service learning within the systems of childhood programs, policies and/or providers