Child and Adolescent Development

College of Health and Human Services
Dean: Don Taylor

Department of Child and Adolescent Development
SCI 394
415-405-3564
Fax: 415-405-0401
E-mail: cadp@sfsu.edu
Web Site: http://cad.sfsu.edu
Director: Rene F. Dahl

Marian Wright Edelman Institute for the Study of Children, Youth, & Families
SCI 394
415-405-3564
Director: Charlotte Ferretti

Faculty

Professors—Dahl

Assistant Professors—Law, Meschke, Park

Programs

B.A. in Child and Adolescent Development: Concentration in Young Child and Family
B.A. in Child and Adolescent Development: Concentration in School-age Child and Family
B.A. in Child and Adolescent Development: Concentration in Youth and Family Services
B.A. in Child and Adolescent Development: Concentration in Research and Public Policy


Program Scope

The Bachelor of Arts in Child and Adolescent Development is an interdisciplinary, cross-professional undergraduate degree for students interested in studying and working with issues related to children, adolescents, and families. In addition to the CAD program faculty, faculty from departments across campus teach courses in the program.

The Child and Adolescent Development program is affiliated with the Marian Wright Edelman Institute for the Study of Children, Youth, and Families, whose mission is to: further educational excellence through its association with the interdisciplinary child and adolescent development curriculum; promote collaboration among faculty, and to create public outreach, social advocacy, and other partnerships between SFSU and the community; and foster research and scholarly work in the area of children, youth, and families.

The B.A. degree in Child and Adolescent Development is designed to convey a broad range of knowledge about child and adolescent development along with applications of this knowledge to services for children and families, as well as to research and public policy development. The core requirements introduce the student to child and adolescent development theory with a strong emphasis on the application of this knowledge. The degree also includes specialized concentrations which focus on research and practice related to (1)  young child and family, (2) school-age child and family, (3) youth and family services, (4) public policy and research. Courses in the major include didactic in-class assignments, research, observation of children and youth, and a supervised internship.

The degree is designed to meet the education and career needs of students with a variety of interests. Those who wish to complete a bachelor's degree as well as a Child Development Permit for work as a licensed child care provider will choose the Young Child and Family concentration. Students who wish to teach in elementary schools will choose the School Age Child and Family concentration which will provide not only subject matter knowledge but a developmental foundation. Others who wish to prepare for work in social service agencies such as residential treatment facilities for school-age children/youth and their families, after school programs, probation, recreation, or community based programs for children and youth will choose specialized study in either the School Age Child and Family concentration or the Youth and Family Services concentration. Finally, students who are preparing for work in research or policy fields related to children, youth, and families, or who desire a foundation in child and adolescent development as preparation for advanced study in disciplines such as education, medicine, psychology, social work, recreation, counseling, or physical therapy, will select the Research and Public Policy concentration.

Career Outlook

The outlook for careers working with children and adolescents and their families is very good. Surveys of employers and community agencies which offer positions working with children, adolescents, and families indicate that there is a strong need for professionals in those areas. Graduates who want to work with young children and their families as infant-toddler pre-school teachers or child care providers are in high demand. There are 6,000 children in San Francisco alone on waiting lists for childcare programs. There is a strong need for well educated professionals to staff and administer quality child care and education programs, particularly as the existing center-based teaching work force with B.A. degrees or higher ages and starts to retire. There is also a need to expand the ethnic and linguistic diversity of early child care providers. Areas where B.A. degree providers/teachers are particularly needed are in centers serving both infants and preschoolers, working with dual language learners, and working with children with special needs.

Even with state fiscal changes and changes in requirements for teacher preparation, because of the increase in school age children in California and the significant numbers of teachers who plan to retire within the next few years, there is a demand for qualified, fully prepared professionals to teach kindergarten through 12th grade. Students who are multiple subjects credential candidates can no longer complete a multiple subject matter preparation program in lieu of taking a Commission-approved subject matter examination (currently CSET). However, this degree strengthens pre-service preparation in child and adolescent development for students who still decide to take courses in the subject matter program, knowing that they will also have to take CSET.

A survey of local potential employers found that they want staff with a strong foundation of skills and knowledge about child and adolescent development. Employment opportunities are especially strong for graduates wanting to develop careers working with children, youth, and their families in the areas of infant-toddler/pre-school and K-5 teaching, and social services in public and private institutions. This degree also provides a firm foundation for graduates who wish to pursue post-baccalaureate education toward master's and doctoral degrees.

BACHELOR OF ARTS IN CHILD AND ADOLESCENT DEVELOPMENT

Prerequisites

Students should develop their program of study in consultation with a program adviser. Prior to enrolling in CAD 300, students should complete the following two courses (or equivalent courses at another institution which has been approved by a CAD program adviser). Note: Students who plan to apply for the Child Development Permit should take PSY 330.

Courses are 3 units unless otherwise indicated. On-line course descriptions are available.

Prerequisites (6 units)
CFS 320 Children and Families
PSY 330
   or
PSY 431
Child Development
 
Developmental Psychology

Please note that credit will not be given for both PSY 330 and PSY 431, according to University policy. A student must have a grade of C or better for all prerequisite courses and courses in the major. No grade of CR/NC is accepted.

Core Requirements Units
Foundations 6
CAD 300 Professional Roles/Careers in Child and Adolescent Development  
CAD 410 Applied Child and Youth Development
Family Systems select one course from the following 3-4
AFRS 515 Black Family Studies  
CFS 325 Transitions in the Family Life Cycle
COMM 515 Family Communication (4)
RAZA 510 Psychodynamics of Raza Family Structure
SOC 464 Families and Society (4)
Cultural Perspectives select one course from the following 3-4
AFRS 215 Introduction to Black Family Studies  
AFRS 525 Black Child Development
AFRS 678 Excellence and Equity: Black Children and Youth
AIS 410 Perspectives of Native California Indians
AA S 315 Chinese American Personality
AA S 335 Japanese American Personality
AA S 355 Psyche and Behavior of Pilipinos
AA S 375 Vietnamese American Identity
COMM 542 Intracultural Communication (4)
COMM 543 Dialogues Across Differences (4)
ISED 585 Cross-Cultural Education
JS 340 American Jewish Identity and Family
PSY 455 Cross Cultural Perspectives in Psychology
RAZA 510 Psychodynamics of Raza Family Structure
SOC 467/HMSX 667 Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer Cultures and Society (4)
WOMS 561 Women of Color in the U.S.
Developmental Perspectives— select one course each from two different topic areas below 6-7
Physical Development  
KIN 487 Motor Development
Social Development
E ED 305 Nurturing Children's Social and Emotional Development in Culturally Responsive Early Childhood Settings
PSY 433 Social, Emotional, and Personality Development
REC 380 Developmental Play Processes
SPED 671 Positive Behavior Support for Young Children
Cognitive Development
PSY 432 Cognitive Development: Language, Thinking, and Perception
Communication Development
COMM 5081 Children's Communication (4)
C D 6551 Dynamics of Communicative Development
E ED 616 Children's Language Development
Atypical Development select one course from the following 3
PSY 435 Behavior Problems of Children  
REC 445 Recreation Therapy and the Expressive Arts
SPED 330 Introduction to Disabilities
SPED 370 Young Children Disabled or At Risk and Their Families
Research select one course from the following 3-4
CAD 500 Action Research Methods in Child and Adolescent Development  
COMM 661 Communication Research Strategies (4)
PLSI/URBS 492 Research Methods (4) (For Research and Public Policy Concentration only)
Fieldwork Note: courses must be taken concurrently. 4
CAD 600 Child and Adolescent Development Internship Seminar (2)  
CAD 601 Child and Adolescent Development Internship (2)
Total for core 28-32
Area of Concentration
Select an area of concentration listed below: Young Child and Family; School Age Child and Family; Youth and Family Services; Research and Public Policy.
19-29
Total for major 51-68

1These two courses are included in the School Age Child and Family Concentration. Thus, students in the School Age Child and Family Concentration should not select this area to meet core requirements.

Bachelor of Arts in Child and Adolescent Development: Concentration in Young Child and Family

See general information for all Bachelor of Arts in Child and Adolescent Development candidates above.

This concentration has been developed for students who wish to work primarily in teaching and child care with young children (infants, toddlers, and preschoolers) and their families in schools and public or private institutions and agencies that serve this population. The degree fulfills the requirements for the Child Development Permit issued by the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing. Students must take a total of two level 600 Special Education courses (core and/or concentration).

Courses are 3 units unless otherwise indicated. On-line course descriptions are available.

Program Units
Prerequisites (see above) 6
Core Courses (see above) 28-32
Prior Experience Working with Young Children 3
CAD 310 Early Experience Working with Young Children*
(Required for students who do not have verifiable, valid prior professional experience working with young children. Must be approved by a CAD adviser)
 
Child Development 3
AFRS 525 Black Child Development*  
CFS 323 Infant/Toddler Development
E ED 600 The Young Child: Development and Learning
E ED 611 Infant-Toddler Development
Preschool Curriculum and Methods 3
CFS 322 Early Childhood Education Curriculum  
E ED 602 Curriculum for the Young Child
Curriculum Specialties/Administration
Select three courses total. No more than one course from any area below.
9
   A. Creative Arts  
E ED 613 Creative Arts for the Young Child
MUS 230 Music Growth and Development in Childhood
   B. Science and Math
E ED 614 Developing Basic Mathematics and Science Concepts with Young Children
E ED 615 Nature Study and Outdoor Education for Young Children
   C. Play and Development
E ED 697 Play and Play Environments for Young Children
   D. Literacy
E ED 616 Children's Language Development
CAD 326 Jumpstart: Developing Literacy Skills in Young Children (for Jumpstart corps members only; may count only once for credit in the major)
   E. Diversity
E ED 668 Anti-bias Curricula for Young Children
SPED 672 Creating Inclusive Learning Environments for Young Children
Working with Families 3
E ED 306 Recognizing the Needs of Children and Families in Contemporary Society  
E ED 604 Working with Parents in Group Programs for Young Children
SPED 675 Working with Families of Young Children with Disabilities
Observation and Assessment 3
CFS 420 Observation and Assessment with Children  
E ED 610 Observation and Assessment Techniques with Young Children
SPED 673 Observation Screening and Assessment of Young Children with Special Needs
Administration/Policy/Leadership 3
CAD 510 Adult Supervision & Leadership in Early Childhood Programs  
CAD 625 Children, Youth, and Public Policy
CFS 324 Administration of Infant/Toddler Programs
CFS 423 Administration of Programs for Young Children
E ED 607 Preschool Administration: Developing Team Relationships
Total for concentration 27
Total for major 61-65

*Do not select if taken in the core.

Bachelor of Arts in Child and Adolescent Development: Concentration in School Age Child and Family

See general information for all Bachelor of Arts in Child and Adolescent Development candidates above.

This concentration has been developed for students who wish to work primarily with school age children and their families in a variety of settings from elementary schools to social service agencies and after school programs.

Courses are 3 units unless otherwise indicated. On-line course descriptions are available.

Program Units
Prerequisites (see above) 6
Core Courses (see above) 28-32
Language/Reading/Communication Development 3-4
C D 655 Dynamics of Communication Development  
COMM 411 Language for Teachers (4)
COMM 508 Children's Communication (4)
Literature and Oral Communication
Units selected from either A or B.
3-4
A.
COMM 353 Speech for the Classroom Teacher (4)  
COMM 364 Oral Interpretation of Children's Literature (4)
B.
AA S 502 Asian American Children's/Teen Literature  
ENG 655 Literature and the Adolescent Reader
Mathematics 6
MATH 165 Concepts of the Number System  
MATH 565 Concepts of Geometry, Measurement, and Probability
Science
Units selected from either Life Science or Earth and Space Science.
3
Life Science
BIOL 300 Nature Study  
BIOL 310 Biology for Today's World
BIOL 313 Principles of Ecology
Earth and Space Science
GEOL/METR 309 Investigating Land, Sea, and Air Interactions  
Physical Education 3
KIN 401 Elementary School Physical Education, K-5  
Social Science
Units selected from either A or B; please note, however, that if GEOG 101 is selected, GEOG 102 must be taken as well.
3-6
A.
GEOG 552 Geography of California  
HIST 450 History of California
B.
GEOG 107 World Regions and Interrelations  
GEOG 101 Our Physical Environment and
GEOG 102 The Human Environment
Arts 3
ART 450 Art for Children  
DANC 340 Creative Dance for Children
MUS 601 Music for Children
THA 451 Storytelling and Folk Literature
Total for concentration 24-29
Total for major 58-67

Bachelor of Arts in Child and Adolescent Development: Concentration in Youth and Family Services

See general information for all Bachelor of Arts in Child and Adolescent Development candidates above.

This concentration has been developed for students who wish to work primarily with adolescents and their families in public and private institutions and agencies. Course work prepares students who wish to work with this population, or with younger youth and children, in juvenile justice, recreation, residential treatment, social services, mental health, and public health. This concentration is also appropriate for students who wish to work with school age children and youth in out-of-school time programs.

Courses are 3 units unless otherwise indicated. On-line course descriptions are available.

Program Units
Prerequisites (see above) 6
Core Courses (see above) 28-32
Introduction (required) 3
CAD 400 Community Youth Development  
Adolescent Development 3
CFS 321 Adolescents and Families  
PSY 430 Adolescent Psychology
Specialty Areas--Select a total of four courses; each course from a different category below. 12-15
Health
CFS 426 Family Crises  
CFS 428 Children and Families with Violence, Abuse, and Neglect
H ED 315 Drugs and Society
H ED 450 Policy Issues in Health Education
H ED 520 Health Promotion in Ethnic Communities
H ED 660 Health Issues of Youth in Schools and Communities
RAZA 500 Community Health
Human Sexuality
BIOL 330 Human Sexuality  
PSY/HMSX  456 Psychology of Human Sexual Behavior
SOC 468 Social Aspects of Human Sexuality (4)
Recreation
REC 300 Leisure Leadership  
REC 330 Arts and Crafts for Leisure
REC 380 Developmental Play Processes*
REC 420 Leisure and Contemporary Society
REC 430 Ecology of Outdoor Recreation
REC 440 Urban Recreation
REC 445 Recreation Therapy and Expressive Arts*
Social Services
CAD 625 Children, Youth, and Public Policy  
COMM 531 Conflict Resolution (4)
COUN 606 Introduction to Peer Counseling Skills
H ED 582 Homelessness: A Public Health Perspective
PSY 525 Community Psychology
SOC 452/CJ 470 Juvenile Justice (4)
SW 302 Introduction to Social Service Organizations
SW 350 Child Welfare
URBS/PLSI/SW 660 The Roles of Nonprofit Organizations in Urban Life
Gender and Identity
COMM 503 Gender and Communication (4)  
SOC 362 Social Construction of Deviance and Conformity (4)
SOC 469 Gender and Society (4)
WOMS 533 Women, Men, and Cultural Change
Program Planning and Administration 3
REC/PA 370 Principles of Nonprofit Administration  
REC 400 Theory of Program Planning
REC/PA 570 Developing and Managing Resources in Nonprofit Agencies
Total for concentration 21-24
Total for major 55-62

*Do not select if taken in the core.

Bachelor of Arts in Child and Adolescent Development: Concentration in Research and Public Policy

See general information for all Bachelor of Arts in Child and Adolescent Development candidates above.

This concentration has been developed for students who wish to pursue a career in the area of public policy development and/or who wish to pursue a post-baccalaureate degree in which advanced knowledge of theory and research methodology are required.

Courses are 3 units unless otherwise indicated. On-line course descriptions are available.

Program Units
Prerequisites (see above) 6
Core Courses (see above) 28-32
Policy Analysis 4
PLSI/URBS 480 Policy Analysis (4)  
Policy for Children, Youth, and Families 6-7
Required course:  
CAD 625 Children, Youth, and Public Policy  
Select one course from the following:  
CFS 522 Childhood Policies and Issues  
H ED 450 Policy Issues in Health Education
PLSI/URBS 560 Urban Poverty and Policy (4)
URBS 565 Social Policy and Family Systems (4)
Political and Policy Processes 3-4
PLSI/PA 400 Public Policy Process  
PLSI/URBS 512 Urban Politics and Community Power (4)
SW/URBS 456 Urban Community Organizing and Citizen Action
Systems and Organizations 3-4
PLSI/URBS/SW 660 The Roles of Nonprofit Organizations in Urban Life  
REC/PA 370 Principles of Nonprofit Administration
REC/PA 570 Developing and Managing Resources in Nonprofit Agencies
SOC 452/CJ 470 Juvenile Justice (4)
SW 302 Introduction to Social Service Organizations
SW 350 Child Welfare
Statistics 3-4
PLSI/URBS 493 Data Analysis (4)  
PSY 371 Introductory Psychological Statistics
SOC 393 Sociological Research--Methods and Techniques II (4)
Total for concentration 19-23
Total for major 53-61