Program Overview
Western Michigan University's Child Development and Services program prepares individuals to work with children and families in various care and service settings. Students can choose between two tracks: Child Programming and Administration or Child Life Foundations. Graduates are equipped for roles such as childcare center directors, parent educators, and youth advocates in organizations like community programs, childcare centers, and children's hospitals.
Program Outline
Degree Overview:
Western Michigan University's child development and services major prepares individuals to work with children and their families in a range of care and service settings. The program includes selection of courses within one of two tracks: Child programming and administration, which fulfills state of Michigan requirements for childcare center directors
Careers:
Studies in child development and services prepare students for effective practice in a range of human service roles and settings. Recent WMU graduates with degrees in child development and services are working as:
- Child, youth and family extension agents
- Parent educators
- Home visitors
- Adoption and foster care specialists
- Senior activity directors
- Juvenile court workers
- Childcare center directors
- Youth advocates
- Sexuality educators Among the public and private human service organizations and agencies they work for are:
- Community, child and youth engagement programs
- Adoption, foster care and refugee services
- Childcare and out-of-school programs
- Summer camps
- Parks and recreation programs
- Senior programs
- Senior and youth residential services
- School-based services
- Museums
- Nature centers
- Children’s hospitals
- Adult and child protective services
