The Child Development Option in CDFS

The Child Development Option in the CDFS major prepares students for a broad array of work opportunities in agencies and organizations devoted to the well-being of children and their families; as well as for graduate level study in the field.

CAREERS RELATED TO THE WELL-BEING OF CHILDREN AND THEIR FAMILIES

Students with a Child Development Option may work in a wide variety of agencies and organizations that have improving the lives of children and their families as their mission. Potential opportunities include, but are not limited to:

Education

• Parent and child education programs in a variety of settings
• Child and Family Specialist in Cooperative Extension
• Youth Worker in church or synagogue
• Children's Museum Curator
• Food Program Director
• Youth Camp Program Director

 Government

• Youth Program Worker in local, state, or federally funded agencies
• Child/Family Resource and Referral Center

 Health Services

• Child Life Specialist in hospital settings (Specific eligibility requirements apply; please see a CDFS advisor for details)

Health Services

• Pregnancy Crisis Centers or Planned Parenthood
• Hospice Coordinator
• Case Worker - Mental Health & Chemical Dependency Services
• Adolescent Tracking or Mental Health Services

Child/Women's Shelters

• Public school liaison for children in shelter care
• Program planners/directors for developmentally appropriate life skills
• Child Advocacy activities

Human Services

• Work with developmentally disabled individuals in a residential setting
• Early childhood intervention program
• Child Protective Services Evaluator (may require additional training and/or examinations)
• Youth Services (may require additional training and/or examinations)
• Child Custody Evaluator (may require additional training and/or examinations)
• Family/Child Mediator (may require additional training and/or examinations)

NOTE: The Child Development option does not prepare students for careers as preschool teachers or daycare providers. Students interested in these careers should pursue a major in Early Childhood Education, available at a variety of area institutions.