Early childhood education, K-12 and CTE teacher preparation and school-age/youth worker development are rapidly growing fields. Increasing public awareness of the importance of quality early childhood education, research on the importance of early brain development, research on the importance of quality settings for children and youth and awareness of the need for a well prepared K-12 teacher workforce that is grounded in both child development principles and subject matter content and changes in family structure and employment patterns have all increased the demand for child development services. Professionally educated teachers, teachers' aides, caregivers, school-age and youth workers, administrators and related staff are in demand.
Career choices include working directly with children in infant and toddler programs, preschools, or school-age, before and after-school programs, youth settings or working indirectly on behalf of children in administrative positions. Students may also transfer to a four-year college to obtain a B.A./B.S.. and K-12 classroom teaching credentials or pursue a career in a related field.
One of the primary objectives of the Child Development & Family Studies Department is to prepare the future early childhood, K-12 and school-age /youth workforce by providing relevent training and educational opportunities, academic supports and resources that lead to college and career success.