Denise M. Brewer, Interim Chair

Full Faculty Listing  

Family and Child Studies’ mission is to create a community of engagement around the capacity for learning and competence of children by exploring how children develop and learn in the context of their families and communities. Within this community, we prepare professionals who work with children and families across a variety of settings. Inspired by the pedagogical practices of Reggio Emilia, we aspire to create professionals who consider the cultures within which the child grows and develops. Students are supported in developing sensitivity to all through critical thinking and community engagement. By embracing our obligation to create healthy, just and sustainable societies, we equip our students to be knowledgeable, compassionate and dedicated in their professional endeavors; to respond to others with humility; and to recognize the dignity of all.

The Department of Family and Child Studies offers the following undergraduate degree programs:

Bachelor of Science degree in Child Development (non-licensure) with a concentration in Family and Child Studies  

Bachelor of Science degree in Child Development with a concentration in Birth Through Kindergarten (with teacher licensure)  

Students majoring in Child Development (non-licensure) with a concentration in Family and Child Studies or Child Development with a concentration in Birth through Kindergarten (licensure) are required to earn a minimum GPA of 2.5 in all major requirements.

Birth through Kindergarten (Licensure)

The teacher education program is accredited by CAEP and meets the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction standards for teaching licensure. A common core of subjects in liberal education, as well as in family and child studies, is required of all majors. The general education requirements are designed to provide instruction in the natural and social sciences, the arts and humanities, and general family and child studies areas. In all programs, families and individuals are the primary foci. The program offers educational preparation for professional careers, entry into continuing education programs, and graduate study.

In addition to program course work, the department is home for the Lucy Brock Child Development Laboratory School.

The Lucy Brock Child Development Laboratory School serves as a laboratory for child development students and for students from other university departments/programs as well. It provides opportunities for observation and direct experiences with children. Lucy Brock Child Development Laboratory School uses best practices inspired by Reggio Emilia, including an emergent curriculum.

Child Development (Non-licensure)

The Bachelor of Science degree in Child Development (non-licensure) with a concentration in Family and Child Studies is designed to give the student a broad base of knowledge about children and families. Because of the broad base of courses and the number of electives including a variety of course opportunities across the university, advisors are able to help students prepare for exciting careers working with children and families. Within the major, students select from at least one area of focus: Early Childhood, Early Intervention, Child and Family Support Services for Middle Childhood and Adolescence.

Programs

• Child Development - Birth to Kindergarten Concentration, BS
• Child Development - Family and Child Studies Concentration, BS

• Child Development Minor

Courses

• FCS 1100 - Development and Relationships: Conception through Middle Years (3)
• FCS 1400 - Professional Orientation (1)
• FCS 2101 - Child Development: Birth-2 Years (3)
• FCS 2102 - Child Study and Guidance (3)
• FCS 2103 - Family Development: Origins and Movement (3)
• FCS 2104 - Child Development: 3-K Years (3)
• FCS 2110 - Global Awareness: Examining the Human Condition (3)
• FCS 2111 - Social Diversity and the Family (3)
• FCS 2500 - Independent Study (1-4)
• FCS 2600 - Family Economics (3)
• FCS 3100 - Early Intervention for Young Children (3)
• FCS 3101 - Enriching Experiences for Young Children (3)
• FCS 3102 - Developing Inclusive Partnerships in Early Care Settings (3)
• FCS 3104 - Practicum I (3)
• FCS 3105 - Practicum II (3) [WID]
• FCS 3106 - Adolescent Development (3)
• FCS 3107 - Variations in Development: Birth through Kindergarten (3)
• FCS 3109 - Child Development: Ages 5-12 (3)
• FCS 3110 - Enriching Experiences and Programming for Children (3)
• FCS 3250 - Reflective Practices: Observation and Constructivist Pedagogy in Early Care and Education Settings (3)
• FCS 3500 - Independent Study (1-4)
• FCS 3520 - Instructional Assistance (1)
• FCS 3522 - Introduction to Birth-Kindergarten (3)
• FCS 3530-3549 - Selected Topics (1-4)
• FCS 3901 - Practicum (3)
• FCS 4102 - Critical Issues: Stressors in Child and Family Development (3)
• FCS 4104 - Practicum III (3)
• FCS 4315 - Habitats and Public Policy (3)
• FCS 4400 - Professional Seminar (1) [WID]
• FCS 4450 - Contemporary Issues in Family and Consumer Sciences (2)
• FCS 4551 - Families in Later Life (3)
• FCS 4553 - Leadership in Advocacy, Administration, and Collaboration (3)
• FCS 4556 - Infant/Toddler Curriculum (3)
• FCS 4602 - Preschool Curriculum and Instruction (3)
• FCS 4610 - Administration of Early Childhood Programs (3)
• FCS 4611 - Introduction to Child Life (3)
• FCS 4680 - Kindergarten Curriculum (3)
• FCS 4709 - Middle Grades Career Exploration (3)
• FCS 4710 - Middle Grades Career Exploration Labs (3)
• FCS 4900 - Internship (3-12) [CAP]