B.A.A.S. Child Development and Family Studies
Overview
The B.A.A.S. in Child Development and Family Studies offers a flexible program that allows students to utilize their workforce training and coursework toward obtaining their degree. Most courses taken for the A.A. in Child Development are transferable as well.
Degree plans
Jump Right In
Students can obtain up to thirty-three hours of workforce credit toward their degree through three avenues: workforce-based college credit hours (such as CDEC courses) will transfer, each year of documented work experience at a licensed childcare facility counts toward workforce credit, and documented training hours can count towards workforce credit.
Designed With You in Mind
Our program is designed to provide students with a strong foundation of knowledge, leadership skills, and cultural competence to work with children and families. This is a fully online program with courses offered at minimum once per year to serve students across all campuses and distance learners
Accreditations
Related Programs
Estimated Completion
120 credit hours (4 years)
Application Process
Cost
Locations Available
1Admission to the off-campus locations such as Fort Worth, Waco, and Online require a minimum of 24 transferable credit hours, a 2.0 GPA and that a student be TSI complete.
Department
College
Plan Your Future
Students will gain hands on experience working with young children in a classroom setting. Upon graduation, students will be prepared to work with children in child care or preschool settings as teachers and directors, early childhood intervention, and state licensing. Through a combination of work experience and education, students can obtain a Director Licensure for Licensed Child Care programs or an Early Intervention Specialist certification as desired.
Family Life Education courses focus on parenting, family resource management, and human intimacy and sexuality. Graduates go on to work in advocacy, adoption/foster care, or family life education, and they are eligible to test for their Certification in Family Life Education through the National Council on Family Relations.
The Child Life concentration contains coursework and experiences that prepares students to become a certified Child Life Specialist through the Association of Child Life Professionals (ACLP) upon successful completion of the prescribed coursework as well as the ACLP practicum, internship, and certification exam.
Program Objectives
The goals of the Child Development and Family studies program at Tarleton State University are to:
- Provide students with a strong foundation for working with children and families in a variety of capacities.
- Tailor each student’s education to their desired career.
- Enhance each student’s writing and critical thinking skills.
- Use and model best practices in all areas of our program.
- Continue to grow and learn as a faculty so that students get the most current information and best experience possible for their career.
Coursework Highlights
| Class | Number | Class Name |
|---|---|---|
| CHFS | 3300 | Child Development |
| CHFS | 3305 | Management of a Licensed Childcare Facility |
| CHFS | 3315 | Concept Development in Early Childhood |
| CHFS | 3344 | Creative Arts and Literature for Children |
| CHFS | 4309 | Parenting |
| CHFS | 4317 | Environments in Early Childhood |
| KINE | 3380 | Adapted Physical Activity |
| SOCW | 3303 | Social Work in Diverse Populations |
For a full list of courses, please refer to this degree’s advising guide.
Credit for Prior Learning (CPL)
- Workforce Hours: Workforce courses in the field of child development, social work, psychology, and other related workforce credit hours taught at the community college
- Certifications: Training from reputable training agencies around the state, such as AgriLife and the Texas Department of Family Protective Services. Documented training for the Early Childhood Education concentration would include anything accepted by the Texas Early Childhood Professional Development Registry (TECPDS) or trainings from working in a school. Documented training for Family Life Educator examples would include training from the Texas Department of Family Protective Services or Family Advocate agencies. Documented training for Child Life Specialists examples would include training received from hospital settings delivered by a recognized medical training provider. Training documents must have the title of the training, date, name of the training organization or trainer, and the number of clock hours received.
- Flexible Learning Options: We offer online and hybrid formats on our Stephenville, Waco and Ft Worth campuses to accommodate your busy schedule.
- Reduced Time to Completion: By leveraging your existing knowledge and skills, you will be able to complete your degree faster and at a lower cost.
- Experienced Faculty: Our instructors are industry professionals who understand the value of real-world experience and can help you connect your learning to your career goals.
- Scholarships: Discover our Career Enrichment Scholarship for a steady, affordable education. The Fixed-Price Degree Scholarship keeps costs constant, covering the difference to ensure your cost will be, at most, $200 per credit hour for five years after you start your degree. Secure your education with confidence.
Facilities and Features
Students have the opportunity to conduct their own research projects under faculty guidance or assist faculty with their ongoing research. Previously, students’ work has been presented at the TXAEYC Annual Conference and the TxCFR Annual Conference.
Each spring, the CHFS program hosts at least two Service Day projects that benefit children and families in many communities. Students on the Stephenville campus will have the opportunity to perform service in person, and distance learners are offered a project that allows them to participate near where they live.
The CHFS Club provides opportunities for graduate and undergraduate students to socialize, provide community service, and learn more about the overall field of child and family studies.