Program Overview

Bachelor of Arts in Child Development and Family Studies

The B.A. in Child Development and Family Studies program prepares early childhood educators who wish to advance their professional knowledge and career opportunities with specialized training in curriculum, administration, or family support. The program is delivered through multiple delivery methods to students living in both rural and urban Alaska and builds on the A.A.S. degree in Early Childhood Education by concentrating on the following specialty areas:

Administration

Expands on the development, management, finance, human resources, and marketing of early childhood programs and other areas of the early childhood community.

Curriculum and Teaching

Integrates knowledge of child development and appropriate practices to design, implement, and evaluate curriculum experiences. Use of child relationships in combination with culturally appropriate approaches to teaching promotes positive development and learning for young children.

Infant and Toddler

Working with families as the first and foremost teacher of infants and toddlers is at the core of our philosophy. Integrates knowledge on child development, attachment, and relationships. Focus on home visiting programs as well as group care is explored with great importance on culturally appropriate approaches for appropriate care and educational practices.

Family Support

Explores the value, importance, and complex characteristics of children's families and communities. Graduates will understand how this creates respectful, reciprocal relationships that support and empower families as well as techniques used to involve all families in their children's development and learning.

Program Outcomes

Graduates of the program have a competitive advantage when applying for positions of greater responsibility and compensation and meet the National Association for the Education of Young Children's standards.

Degree Options

• Associate of Applied Science
• Bachelor of Arts
• Certificate

Student Resources

• Important dates