Child and Youth Development
The Child and Youth Development concentration is uniquely designed for after school and youth work professionals and is based on a set of outcomes and established competencies. Graduates will have the theoretical framework, professional skills and knowledge needed to create and maintain a safe, healthy learning environment; advance children and youth's physical and intellectual competence; provide positive guidance and support for social and emotional development; establish productive relationships with families; and ensure a well-run purposeful program that is responsive to children and family needs.
Concentration Requirements
| ASE 255: Introduction to After School Care and Education | 3 cr |
| ASE 260: Program Environment & Curriculum Development | 3 cr |
| ASE 265: Child and Adolescent Development | 3 cr |
| ASE 270: Supervision & Leadership | 3 cr |
| SOC 350: Children, School & Community | 3 cr |
| ASE 315: Positive Guidance in ASE | 3 cr |
| PSY 335: Psychology of Exceptional Children | 3 cr |
| ASE 220: Principles of Positive Youth Development | 3 cr |
Approved Electives from the following topic areas:
| 9 cr |
| ASE 499: Capstone | 3 cr |
A practicum is required for those students who do not have after school/youth work experience.
Prerequisites:
- PSY 101: Psychology
- SOC 101: Sociology
Student Learning Outcomes
Students who graduate with a concentration in Child and Youth Development will be able to:
- apply child and youth development concepts in designing the learning environment;
- explain the history of youth program movement;
- apply learning theory to program development;
- develop a safe learning environment;
- develop programs intentionally involving children and youth;
- apply principles of management to running youth programs;
- explain the impact diversity has on child and youth development;
- articulate how to build relationships with child, family, school, and community;
- recognize and be able to assist families in crisis;
- demonstrate technology literacy and the impact of technology on today's youth; and
- synthesize their learning in child and youth development concentration through a project, research paper, reflection paper, or practicum.