Child and Family Studies (B.S.)

The Education Department offers a Bachelor of Science with a major in Child and Family Studies. This major prepares students in the areas of two concentrations. (1) Students prepare to work as early childhood educators (ages birth to 8) in the mixed delivery system, including in early intervention, private and public pre-school settings, family child care centers, Head Start, and out-of-school child care settings. (2) They also may prepare to work as community-based educators. Within the Child and Family Studies major, a strong focus is placed on family involvement, family engagement, and collaboration across families, educational settings, and communities. It is recognized that by working together, families, educators, and communities support the holistic development and education of children and can prepare children from varied socio-economic, cultural, and geographic backgrounds for a promising future. Students who complete the Early Education and Care concentration of this major will be eligible to apply for their infant, toddler, or preschool teaching certification from the Massachusetts Department of Early Education and Care (EEC). Students also are prepared to assume leadership roles in the field as directors of early childhood centers or as staff with connected state level agencies. Students who complete the Community-Based Education concentration may pursue various educational roles in community-based centers. Students also are prepared for graduate studies in connected fields.