FACS Departments Student Services UGA
Child and Family DevelopmentThe Department of Child and Family Development offers a diverse program which covers all aspects of families throughout the life cycle: Infancy, childhood, adolescence, young adulthood, middle age and aging. The goal of the Department of Child and Family Development is to provide an educational experience that promotes the integration of knowledge and professional practice from the fields of child development and family studies. The objectives are to prepare researchers and scholars to generate knowledge about individual and family development and behavior over the life span, as well as educate professionals who will provide educational, counseling, and advocacy services needed for children and families to function more effectively.
Child and Family Development Undergraduate ProgramsThe Department of Child and Family Development provides a multidisciplinary focus on individuals and families:Child and Family Development/Early Childhood Education Child and Family Development Child Life Emphasis Program of Study Child and Family Development/Early Childhood EducationGraduates of Child and Family Development/Early Childhood Education (a joint program with the College of Education) are qualified for certification to teach children in preschool through fifth (Pre-K-Grade 5) grades in public and private schools. This major requires at least 120 semester credit hours.Child & Family Development MajorThe Child and Family Development major provides students a broad general background in the area of children and families. CFD undergraduate courses listed in UGA Bulletin:
Child Life Emphasis ProgramChild Life is an evolving profession within the health care field. Child Life professionals work primarily in hospitals and medical centers. The role of a Child Life Specialist is to provide for the unique developmental and emotional needs of hospitalized children and their families. Child Life Specialists fulfill this role primarily by: (a) providing for a child's continued growth and development during hospitalization, and (b) helping the hospitalized child and family cope with stressful experiences. Specific interventions used to reach these goals include preparing children for medical procedures, lending emotional support to parents and siblings, and providing opportunities for children's play. A Child Life Specialist serves as an advocate for children and families within the health care setting and works as an integral part of the health care team. Child Life programs range in size from one Child Life Specialist to more than 20. |