Child Development /
Elementary Education

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• Bachelor of Arts degree with a major in Liberal Studies ­ Child Development/Elementary Education concentration

Please note: This program is distinct from Humboldt's Child Development (Liberal Studies) program or Liberal Studies/Elementary Education.

Program Director
Claire Knox, Ph.D.

Department of Child Development
Harry Griffith Hall 229
(707) 826-3471
childdev@humboldt.edu
www.humboldt.edu/~chld

The Program

This program is designed for students who wish to become elementary school teachers. Completion of the Child Development / Elementary Education program (CDEE) requirements also satisfies Humboldt’s general education, institutions, and diversity/common ground requirements.

CDEE has several distinct features:

• Students take the traditional disciplines taught in elementary schools alongside courses focusing on developmental characteristics of children.
  
• The program emphasizes working with children from grades K-6.
  
• Students learn how the classroom, school, home, and community impact the child and the learning process.
  
• Courses explore different philosophies of education but emphasize those that see children as active learners.
  
• Students explore careers to clarify their professional goals.
  
• Students participate in multiple supervised classroom experiences.

Elementary school teachers must be able to teach children basic subject, but they must also integrate social studies; the visual and performing arts; health and physical education; life, physical, and earth sciences; and literature. CDEE uses the liberal arts to give students background in content areas they will teach. Simultaneously, child development courses orient them to the children with whom they will work.

The depth of study area focuses on teaching 5- to 9-year-old children enrolled in kindergarten through third grade. It provides in-depth exposure to theories and methodologies that consider children as capable and active learners who construct knowledge through meaningful experiences.

The CDEE concentration encourages frequent self-assessment and guided career exploration. Supervised experiences in children’s classrooms are key. CDEE students acquire guid-ance and discipline skills and prepare -developmentally appropriate curriculum while working in early primary classrooms.

For admission requirements to a post-baccalaureate credential program, contact the campus credential program of choice. CDEE students must complete all required courses with a grade of C- or better and have at least a 2.7 overall grade-point average.

The CCTC requires all majors to complete subject-matter assessment. The assessment (conducted before the student’s final semester) is required before entering, and in some cases applying for, any CCTC-approved credential programs. (See Education for admission requirements to Humboldt’s elementary education credential program.)

Requirements for the Major

Program currently under review. See Child Development advisor for requirements.

CORE LIBERAL ARTS (GE requirements)

CHILD DEVELOPMENT CORE (34 units)
Child Development major includes growth and development courses, practicums with children, and depth of studies options.