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Child and Family Development, Minor
About the Program
The mission of Central’s Child and Family Development program is to prepare highly qualified graduates to work effectively with individuals and families in our diverse and multi-faceted society, which in turn, improves the quality of life for individuals and families. This mission will be accomplished through comprehensive curriculum rooted in sound theoretical framework and contemporary research, hands-on professional learning experiences with children and families in varied settings, strong support and valuable guidance, and leadership opportunities.
An individualized minor in Child and Family Development for a Bachelor’s Degree. This 21 credit hour concentration in Child and Family Development will focus on developmental principles and work with children and families. It will complement numerous major degree programs
A Bright Future
Endless Opportunities
The degree in Child and Family Development enables students to work with children and families in various settings. Due to the changes and diversities among modern families, there is an increasing demand for Child and Family Development Professionals. Opportunities are available in
- state/federal level are anticipated due to the massive retirement of the baby boomer generation
- graduate school in related field such as Marriage and Family Therapy, School Counseling, Family Law, Special Education, Elementary/Early Childhood Education, Counseling, and Human Development and Family Sciences.
Linking Theory to Practice
In addition to acquiring a strong foundation for understanding development at all ages, families in their many diverse forms, students will gain hands-on experiences through courses, volunteer work, student organizations and campus activities.
Benefits of Child and Family Development
- Small class sizes provide you with many opportunities to interact 1:1 with faculty.
- Thriving and active student organizations.
- Faculty, most with specialist and/or doctoral degrees, are involved in diverse research and writing projects.
- A growing MS program.
- Three internship opportunities help guide your career trajectory and act as a resume builder; hands-on experience often leads to job placement; it’s the beginning of a professional network with mentors.
- Degree programs prepare students for wide range of opportunities, including graduate school and many different types of jobs in a variety of settings.
- CFLE Certification opportunity through the National Council on Family Relations.
Career Opportunities
- Preschool Educator
- Child Care Center Director
- Before and After School Program Coordinator
- Recreation Coordinator for Children
- Family Life Educator
- Foster Care Counselor
- Family Planning Educator
- Adoption Counselor
- Parenting Educator
- Family/Youth Activities Coordinator
- Hospice Family Coordinator
- Divorce Mediator and Consultant
- Consultant of Educational Materials and Toys
- State Licensing Representative
- Parent as Teacher Educator
- Child Abuse Counselor
- Child Advocacy Agencies
- Family Mediator
- Community Development Programmer
- Youth Program Director
- Childbirth Instructor
- Family Shelter Director
- Family Support and Children’s Divisions Worker
- Assisted Living/ Adult Care
- Premarital and Marital Educator
- Grief/Death/End of Life Counselor
Accreditation
UCM's Child and Family Development program is a National Council on Family Relations Certified Family Life Educator approved program
