This program combines a basic education in human ecology and a broad general education with preprofessional preparation related to employment in early childhood education centers, Headstart, kindergartens, and early elementary grades in schools. It is especially appropriate for the student interested in working with children of pre–primary and early elementary ages.

To meet the Michigan State Board of Education standard, students in the Bachelor of Science degree program with a major in child development are required to satisfy the State of Michigan requirements for a teaching major in language arts or social studies; those requirements are included in the requirements for the concentration in language arts or social studies.  Students who complete the requirements for the concentration are not required to complete an approved disciplinary minor for teacher certification.

Requirements for the Bachelor of Science Degree in Child Development

1. The University requirements for bachelor's degrees as described in the Undergraduate Education section of this catalog; 120 credits, including general elective credits, are required for the Bachelor of Science degree in Child Development.
   
   The completion of an Writing, Rhetoric and American Cultures writing course referenced in item 3. c. (1) below may also satisfy the University’s Tier I writing requirement.
   
   The completion of Mathematics 201 referenced in item 3. a. below may also satisfy the University mathematics requirement.
   The University's Tier II writing requirement for the Child Development major is met by completing Human Development and Family Studies 321.  This course is referenced in item 3. a. below.
2. The requirements of the College of Social Science for the Bachelor of Science degree.
3. The following requirements for the major:

   All of the following courses (53 credits):
   HDFS	211	Child Growth and Development				3
   HDFS	212	Children, Youth and Family				3
   HDFS	320	Interaction with Children in Groups				3
   HDFS	320L	Interaction with Children – Laboratory				1
   HDFS	321	Curriculum for Children (W)				3
   HDFS	32lL	Curriculum for Children Laboratory				1
   HDFS	421	Assessment of the Young Child				3
   HDFS	424	Student Teaching in an Early Childhood Program				6
   HDFS	442	Ethnic Families in America				3
   HNF	150	Introduction to Human Nutrition				3
   MTH	201	Elementary Mathematics for Teachers I				3
   MTH	202	Elementary Mathematics for Teachers II				3
   TE	150	Reflections on Learning				3
   TE	301	Learners and Learning in Context - Elementary (W)				4
   TE	401	Teaching of Subject Matter to Diverse Learners - Elementary				5
   TE	402	Crafting Teaching Practice - Elementary (W)				6
   Completion of an Integrated Teaching Major in Language Arts or Social Studies. Students who wish to take the Integrated Teaching Major in Integrated Science for Elementary Education Teacher Certification may do so and must contact their advisor.
   For additional information, refer to the statement on TEACHER CERTIFICATION in the Department of Teacher Education section of this catalog.