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Child and Family Studies

600 Academic and Student

Recreation Center

1800 SW Sixth Avenue

503-725-8241

www.pdx.edu/ssw/cfs

The Child and Family Studies Program is for students who have varied professional goals related to working with children, youth, and their families. Students who are interested in becoming elementary school teachers, social workers, counselors, early childhood educators, or special educators are advised to consider a degree in Child and Family Studies (CFS). The degree is also appropriate for students seeking career pathways such as parent educators, family advocates, youth workers, social service caseworkers, program directors/administrators, and classroom assistants. Students gain an interdisciplinary perspective on children, youth, and families, a broad understanding of family systems, and a working knowledge of the diverse socio-cultural contexts in which children and families develop.

Program content integrates theory with practice. A liberal arts foundation, coursework in professional development and the application of content knowledge, practicum experiences in two diverse settings, and the completion of a Professional Portfolio prepare students for professional roles as well as graduate school. Eleven different specialization options within the degree program allow students maximum choice as they prepare for the diverse professions that are of interest to most students. These specializations include: human development, families in society, youth worker, administration of programs for children, youth and families, early childhood education, early intervention/early childhood special education, elementary education, child welfare/human services, international worker, and family life educator. A strong emphasis is placed on preparing students to become change agents, creating a more just world for children, youth, and families.

Degree Maps and Learning Outcomes

Admission requirements

Child and Family Studies B.A./B.S.

Child and Family Studies Specializations

Child and Family Studies Specializations

Human Development

Adviser: Jana Meinhold, Ph.D.

Designed to focus on development in the social, cognitive, physical, and emotional domains. Theory and research related to development will extend to current issues of diversity and to implications for professionals working with children and families.

Families in Society

Adviser: Jana Meinhold, Ph.D.

Designed to examine societal contexts within which families live. Families will be studied from the perspectives of culture, gender, health, and socio-economics. Approaches to working with families will be developed with sensitivity to the diversity of family structures, traditions, and dynamics.

Youth Worker

Advisers: Ben Anderson-Nathe, Ph.D / Alma Trinidad, Ph.D.

Designed to foster understanding and provide skills for working directly with school-age children and adolescents in youth organizations and social services agencies. Coursework prepares youth practitioners from the perspective of multiple disciplines with emphasis on the development of cultural competence in working with youth and their families.

Administration of Programs for Children, Youth, and Families

Adviser: Michael Taylor, Ph.D.

Designed to develop understanding and provide strategies for administration of programs for children, youth, and families. There is a focus on communication, with sensitivity to issues of culture, race, and economics.

Early Childhood Education

Adviser: Ben Anderson-Nathe, Ph.D.

Designed to develop understanding and provide approaches for working with children and their families in early childhood education settings. This area of study will focus on developmentally appropriate curriculum and guidance, and the development of relationships with families.

Early Intervention/Early Childhood Special Education

Adviser: Ben Anderson-Nathe, Ph.D.

Designed to develop knowledge and skills for serving young children with special needs and their families in inclusive settings or to prepare for graduate studies in early intervention/early childhood special education or related fields (e.g., social work). Coursework includes a focus on typical and atypical development, foundations of early intervention/early childhood special education, and family-centered practices.

Special Education for School-Aged Children

Adviser: Ben Anderson-Nathe, Ph.D.

Designed to develop knowledge and skills for serving children and youth with special needs and their families in inclusive settings or to prepare for graduate study in special education for school-aged children or related fields (e. g., social work). Coursework includes special needs and disabilities of children and youth, foundations of special education, and supports for children and youth within school, home, and community.

Elementary Education

Adviser: Ben Anderson-Nathe, Ph.D.

Provides the necessary requirements for application into PSU’s Graduate Teacher Education Program (GTEP). All the classes included in the Elementary Education specialization are all prerequisites for this graduate program. Students are eligible for early admission into the GTEP program, although admission is not guaranteed.

Child Welfare/Human Services

Advisers: Michael Taylor, Ph.D. / Alma Trinidad, Ph.D.

This specialization is designed to provide basic competence in entry-level human services positions in child welfare (child protective service, foster care, adoptions, in-home services, case management, group care), mental health, and community-based organizations. Working with children and families from diverse backgrounds (ethnic, racial, economic, sexual orientation) is emphasized.

International Worker: Children, Youth and Families

Adviser: Ben Anderson-Nathe, Ph.D.

Designed for people who want to work internationally with children, youth, or families in such areas as the Peace Corps, non-governmental organizations, project management, or humanitarian relief work. This area of study will emphasize cross-cultural understanding, language acquisition, global issues, and intercultural communication.

Family Life Educator

Adviser: Jana Meinhold, Ph.D.

Designed to develop knowledge about a broad range of topics including how families work; the inter-relationship of the family and society; human growth and development throughout the life span; both the physiological and psychological aspects of human sexuality; the impact of money and time management on daily life; the importance and value of education for parenting; the effects of policy and legislation on families; ethical considerations in professional conduct; and a solid understanding and knowledge of how to teach and/or develop curriculum for what are often sensitive and personal issues. The completion of this Specialization will also provide the necessary requirements for the Family Life Education Provisional Certification awarded by the National Counsel on Family Relations.