CHILD AND FAMILY STUDIES
Jerry and Vickie Moyes College of Education

Chair: S. Craig Campbell
Location: David O. McKay Education Bldg., Room 204
Email Department

Telephone Contact:
(801) 626-7151
FAX:
(801) 626-7427

We even have a
sense of HUMOR.

Weber State University
Jerry and Vickie Moyes
College of Education
Child & Family Studies

Professors: James Bird, S. Craig Campbell, Rosalind Charlesworth, Chloe D. Merrill,
Associate Professors: Randy S. Chatelain,
Assistant Professors: Tom Day, Paul Schvaneveldt
Instructors: Joyce Buck, Carole J. Haun
Adjunct Faculty: Kent Allen, Paul Dawson, Kay Day, Phil Johnson, Julee Smith
Student Advisor: Darcy Gregg (801) 626-6411
ChFAM - Advisory Board - community members

Description

The Department of Child and Family Studies offers a broad personal and professional education by providing majors in the following areas:

Majors: Minors:
Early Childhood,
Early Childhood Education,
Dual Certification,and
Family Studies.
 Current Catalog page

for description of Major and Minor programs in the Department.


Learning is enhanced by the Melba S. Lehner Children's School where preschool laboratory experience is provided for practical application. Practical experience is built into all areas of study. Honors credit is available for students who desire greater depth. Preparation for graduate study can be pursued in any area represented in the department.

Mission Statement:

The mission of the Department of Child and Family Studies is to prepare students through contemporary educational practices to become Early Childhood and Family Life Educators who respect diversity. These practitioners will create environments that enhance the lives and healthy development of adults, children, and families over the lifespan.

The following program descriptions are taken from the
University Catalog: 2002-2003
See Current Catalog page for current information.

Early Childhood, ... Early Childhood Ed., ... Dual Certification, ... Family Studies.

PROGRAM: EARLY CHILDHOOD MAJOR

BACHELOR DEGREE

Students preparing to work in childhood programs or agencies serving young children that do not require a teaching certificate graduate with a major in Early Childhood.
 
Students who wish to obtain certification to teach in kindergarten through 3rd grade graduate with a major in Early Childhood Education. (See Early Childhood Education description.)

» Program Prerequisite: Students must have completed at least 30 credit hours of General Education and relevant prerequisite courses and have a cumulative GPA of 2.50 or above.
 
» Minor: Optional (cannot be within the Department of Child and Family Studies). In lieu of a minor, a concentration of 15 credit hours outside the Department of Child and Family Studies may be substituted as approved by the department.
 
» Grade Requirements: A grade of "B-" or better in each course is required for this major in addition to a cumulative GPA of 2.50 for all courses.
 
» Credit Hour Requirements: A total of 120 credit hours is required for graduation -- 43 of these are required within the major. A minimum of 40 credit hours must be upper division (courses numbered 3000 and above) -- 22 of these are required within the major.


Advisement

Students must follow the Department of Child and Family Studies Advisement procedures. Contact the student advisor located in the Education Building, Room 241 (801-626-6411). (Also refer to the Department Advisor Referral List.)

Admission Requirements

Declare your program of study. Sign a Program of Study Contract with the Department of Child and Family Studies. Contact the Student Advisor, 801-626-6411.

Before enrolling in ChFam 2610 or 2620, students must be fingerprinted and have a background check. If the background check reveals misconduct you will not be allowed to enroll in these courses or any others which include field experiences, practicum, or student teaching. This is in compliance with Utah State law. Allow for an eight week response time from the state.

General Education

Refer to General Requirements for either Bachelor of Science or Bachelor of Arts requirements. ChFam SS1500 (3) will satisfy a general education requirement and is prerequisite to most major courses.

Course Requirements for B.S. or B.A. Degree

Pre Core Course Required (3 credit hours)

  • ChFam SS1500 Human Development
    (This course will satisfy a general education requirement.)

Core Courses Required (40 credit hours)

  • ChFam 2400 Family Relations (3)
  • ChFam 2500 Development of the Child: Birth Through Eight (3)
  • ChFam 2570 The Child from Six to Twelve (3)
  • ChFam 2600 Intro to Early Childhood Educ (3)
  • ChFam 2610 Guidance Based on Development Theory (3)
  • ChFam 2620 Planning Creative Experiences for Young Children (3)
  • ChFam 3500 Young Children at Risk (3)
  • ChFam 3640 Working with Parents (3)
  • ChFam 4500 Study of Child & Adolescent Development (3)
  • ChFam 4710* Advanced Guidance and Planning (3)
  • ChFam 4720* Student Teaching-Children's School (6)
  • ChFam 4890 Cooperative Work Experience (3)
  • ChFam 4990A Seminar in Child Development (1)


* Taken concurrently
 
In addition, students must complete an advisor-approved concentration of 15 hours or advisor-approved minor.


Early Childhood, ... Early Childhood Ed., ... Dual Certification, ... Family Studies.

PROGRAM: EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION MAJOR

BACHELOR DEGREE

The Departments of Child and Family Studies and Teacher Education offer a major in Early Childhood Education with certification for teaching in programs which serve children from age three through eight years of age (Pre-K through 3rd grade). Students preparing to teach in a public school's early childhood program graduate with a major in Early Childhood Education. »

Program Prerequisite: Students must have completed at least 30 credit hours of general education and relevant prerequisite courses and have either a cumulative GPA of 3.00 or above or a minimum GPA of 3.25 on the last 30 semester hours taken. Students must also meet the Teacher Education admission and certification requirements (see Teacher Education Department in this catalog).
 
» Minor: Not required.
 
» Grade Requirements: A GPA of 3.00 or higher in courses required for this major in addition to a cumulative GPA of 3.00 for all courses.
 
» Credit Hour Requirements: A total of 120 credit hours is required for a bachelors degree -- 88 of these are required within the major. A minimum of 40 upper division credit hours is required (courses numbered 3000 and above).


Advisement

Students must follow the Department of Child and Family Studies Advisement procedures. Contact the student advisor located in the Education Building, Room 241 (801-626-6411). (Also refer to the Department Advisor Referral List.)

Admission Requirements

Declare your program of study. Early Childhood Education majors must meet the Teacher Education admission and certification requirements (see Teacher Education Department).

As part of the Teacher Education admission requirements and/or before enrolling in ChFam 2610 or 2620, students must be fingerprinted and have a background check. If the background check reveals misconduct you will not be allowed to enroll in these courses or any others which include field experiences, practicum, or student teaching. This is in compliance with Utah State law. Allow an eight week response time from the state.

General Education

See General Requirements for either Bachelor of Science or Bachelor of Arts requirements. ChFam SS1500 will satisfy a general education requirement and is prerequisite to most Child and Family courses. Comm HU1020 may be taken to fulfill both a support course and a general education requirement.

Course Requirements for B.S. or B.A. Degree

Pre Core Course Required (3 credit hours)

  • ChFam SS1500 Human Development
    (This course will satisfy a general education requirement.)

Core Courses Required (28 credit hours)

  • ChFam 2500 Development of the Child: Birth Through Eight (3)
  • ChFam 2600 Intro to Early Childhood Educ (3)
  • ChFam 2610 Guidance Based on Developmental Theory (3)
  • ChFam 2620 Planning Creative Experiences for Young Children (3)
  • ChFam 3500 Young Children at Risk (3)
    or Educ DV3260 The Exceptional Student (3)
  • ChFam 3640 Working with Parents (3)
  • ChFam 4710* Advanced Guidance & Planning (3)
  • ChFam 4720* Student Teaching-Children's School (6)
  • ChFam 4990A Seminar in Child Development (1)

* Taken concurrently

Support Courses Required (19 credit hours)

  • Comm HU1020 Principles of Public Speaking
    (This course will satisfy a general education requirement.)
    or Comm 3070 Performance Studies (3)
    or equivalent
  • MathEd 2310 Mathematics for Elem Teachers (3)
  • MathEd 2320 Mathematics for Elem Teachers (3)
  • Educ 2000 Social Studies Concepts for Elementary Teachers (3)
  • Engl 3305 Children's Literature (3)
  • PE 3630 Physical Education K-6 (2)
  • Health 4300 Health Education in the Elementary School (2)


Support Course Elective (2-4 credit hours)

Select one course from the following

  • Music 3824 Music for the Elementary Teachers (4)
  • Educ 3430 Creative Processes in Elementary School (3)
  • Theater 4603 Creative Drama (3)
  • Dance 3640 Creative Movement in Elementary School (2)
  • Art CA1030 Studio Art for the Non-Art Major (3)


Professional Education Courses Required (38 credit hours)

  • Educ 3390 Literacy in the Primary Grades (2)


° Level 1 (Core)

  • Educ 3000 Interpersonal Skills for Teachers (1)
  • Educ 3100 Instructional Planning, 
    Technology & Assessment (3)
  • Educ 3120 Foundations of Education (1)


° Level 2 (Learners and Literacy)

  • Educ DV3200 Foundations in Multicultural/Bilingual Education (2)
  • Educ 3240 Foundations & Methods of Elementary Reading & Language Arts (5)
  • ChFam 3500 Young Children at Risk
    or Educ DV3260 The Exceptional Student (3)


° Level 3 (Interdisciplinary Methods)

  • Educ 4300 Elementary Math Methods (3)
  • Educ 4330 Elementary Science Methods (3)
  • Educ 4340 Elementary Art/Music Methods (3)
  • Educ 4350 Elementary Social Studies Methods (3)


° Level 4 (Synthesis)

  • Educ 4840 Student Teaching in Elementary Education (8)
  • ChFam 4980 Early Childhood Senior Synthesis Seminar (1)

Admission to Teacher Education is required prior to enrollment in professional Education classes.

Currently licensed Elementary Education teachers who wish to pick up the Early Childhood Education License need to meet requirements other than those listed above.
Click here ... for requirements for Licensed Elementary Education Teachers seeking the Early Childhood Ed. License.

Early Childhood, ... Early Childhood Ed., ... Dual Certification, ... Family Studies.

PROGRAM: DUAL CERTIFICATION, EARLY CHILDHOOD AND ELEMENTARY EDUCATION

Combination of these two programs allows students the flexibility to teach kindergarten through sixth grade and Combination of these two programs allows students the flexibility of teaching pre-kindergarten through sixth grade and increases job potential. Early consultation with an adviser is recommended. See Early Childhood Education and Elementary Education major requirements.

Early Childhood Education majors who desire to obtain an Elementary Education Certification will complete 38 hours in the Early Childhood Education major and must also complete the following additional 19 hours:


Required Education Course (3 credit hours)

  • Educ DV3260 The Exceptional Student* (3)

*if not already taken

Concentration (9 credit hours)

Select an additional 9 credit hours of course work in an area of concentration. (See Teacher Education Department advisor.)

Science Elective (3 credit hours)

Select one 3-hour course in consultation with a Teacher Education Department advisor.

Additional Student Teaching (4 credit hours)

Length may vary depending on performance and previous placement.

Elementary Education majors who desire to obtain an Early Childhood Education Endorsement will complete 41 hours in the Elementary Education major and the following additional 26-30 hours:


Required Courses

  • ChFam 2500 Develop of Child: Birth-Eight (3)
  • ChFam 2600 Intro to Early Childhood Educ (3)
  • ChFam 2610 Guidance Based on Development Theory (3)
  • ChFam 2620 Planning Creative Learning Experiences for Young Children (3)
  • ChFam 3640 Working with Parents (3)
  • ChFam 4710* Advanced Guidance and Planning (3)
  • ChFam 4720* Student Teaching in Children's School (6)
  • Educ 3390 Literacy in the Primary Grades (2)


* Taken concurrently
 
Students who have not completed an Exceptional Student course must do so.

Additional Student Teaching (4 credit hours)
Length may vary depending on performance and previous placement.

Elementary Education majors who have used Child Development as an area of concentration must complete the same number of hours in another concentration area.

Early Childhood, ... Early Childhood Ed., ... Dual Certification, ... Family Studies.

PROGRAM: FAMILY STUDIES MAJOR

BACHELOR DEGREE

To be eligible for acceptance into the Family Studies Program a candidate must: (I) make application to the program; (2) submit all college transcripts; (3) be reviewed and accepted by the Department Committee for Admissions; (4) have a cumulative (GPA of 2.00 or better; and (5) meet all of the requirements listed below.

» Program Prerequisite: (1) Complete a total of 48 credit hours (or equivalent) which must include all of the Preprofessional Core courses listed below under Course Requirements; (2) Meet the WSU English Competency and Quantitative Literacy requirements (refer to General Requirements); (3) Be accepted into the program (refer to Admission Requirements below).
 
» Minor: Optional (cannot be within the Department of Child and Family Studies). In lieu of a minor, a concentration of 12 semester hours outside the Department of Child and Family Studies may be substituted as approved by the department advisor.*
 
» Grade Requirements: A grade of "B" or better in courses required for this major. Students not meeting the minimum grade requirement for an individual Family Studies course may repeat that course one (1) time before being excluded from the Family Studies program. Also refer to the grade requirements for graduation under General Requirements.
 
» Credit Hour Requirements: A total of at least 120 credit hours is required for graduation -- a minimum of 48 of these must be within the major. A total of 40 upper division credit hours is required (courses numbered 3000 and above) -- 33 of these are required within the major.


Advisement

Students must follow the Department of Child and Family Studies Advisement procedures. Contact the department advisor located in the Advisement Center, Education Building, Room 230B (801-626-6411). (Also refer to the Department Advisor Referral List.)

Admission Requirements

Declare your program of study. To be eligible for acceptance into and graduation from the Family Studies Program a candidate must:

  1. complete a minimum of 48 credit hours with a cumulative GPA of 2.5 or better;
  2. complete the university English Competency and Quantitative Literacy requirements;
  3. complete all of the Pre-professional Core courses listed below under Course Requirements;
  4. make formal application to the Family Studies program;
  5. submit all college/university transcripts documenting completion of General Requirements and Pre-professional Core Requirements (see requirements below);
  6. be reviewed and accepted by the Family Studies Admissions Committee. Contact the Department of Child and Family Studies for an application and specific procedures.


Policy Notes

Since students majoring in Family Studies will be working with families and children, the State of Utah requires a background check and clearance. You must be fingerprinted and have a background check before you can be formally accepted into the program. A handout included in the admissions packet explains the procedure and nominal expenses. Background checks require up to eight weeks and should be completed, or in progress at the time of application into the Family Studies Program. See the Department Advisor for further details.

Candidates accepted into the Family Studies Program will be assigned to a cohort group and proceed through the program in a structured sequence. If a student drops out of a cohort group, readmission is required to continue in the Family Studies Program.

Students will be required to take a minimum of 30 credits in the Professional Core courses after acceptance into the program to be eligible to graduate from Family Studies.

Upon completion of this degree, students are qualified to become a provisional Certified Family Life Educator and may apply through the National Council on Family Relations.

General Education

Refer to General Requirements for either Bachelor of Science or Bachelor of Arts requirements.

* Family Studies students may combine their major with either a minor or a dual major. Consult with an advisor when designing a dual major. Minors may be selected from department minor offerings across campus. Typical minors include Psychology, Sociology, Gerontology, Social Work, Communications, and/or Business. A minor should be designed to best support personal goals or career directions.
 
The Family Studies program fulfills the requirements for a provisional Certified Family Life Educator (CFLE), offered through the National Council on Family Relations.   Full certification requires two years paid professional experience following graduation.   Provisional certification allows five years to complete the two-year requirements.

Course Requirements for B.S. or B.A. Degree

Pre-professional Core Course Requirements (12 credit hours)

  • ChFam 1400 Marriage as an Interpersonal Process (3)
  • ChFam SS1500 Human Development (3)
  • ChFam 2100 Family Resource Management (3)
  • ChFam 2400 Family Relations (3)


Family Studies Professional Core
Block Courses Required (36 semester hours)

° Block 1

  • ChFam 2990B Seminar in Family Studies (3)
  • ChFam DV3350 Diversity Within Families (3)
  • ChFam 3450 Adult Development (3)
  • ChFam SI3850 Current Research Methods in Child & Family Studies (3)


° Block 2

  • Health 3500 Human Sexuality (3)
  • ChFam 3550 Parenting Education (3)
  • ChFam 3650 Family Processes (3)
  • ChFam 4400 The Family in Stress (3)


    ° Block 3
  • ChFam 4500 Comparative Study of Childhood & Adolescent Development (3)
  • ChFam 4650 Family Life Education Methods (3)
  • ChFam 4860 Practicum (3)
  • ChFam 4990B Senior Seminar in Family Studies (3)

Code of Ethics:

Students enrolled in family studies classes must abide by the National Council on Family Relations Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct as well as the Weber State University Student Code of Ethics. Disciplinary action may be taken by the Family Studies Program Admissions and Retention Committee when a student is found in noncompliance with ethical and/or professional practice standards.



Early Childhood, ... Early Childhood Ed., ... Dual Certification, ... Family Studies.

  • For additional information:
    contact the Child & Family Studies Dept. at (801) 626-7151

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