Take your BS in Child Development focusing on Preschool, Infant/Toddler or both.

B.S. in Child Development

Child Development – A Career that Makes a Difference

A career in Child Development makes a difference in early childhood that relates to infancy through preschool, which is a period of learning, discovery and growth. Caring, knowledgeable adults can make a real difference in a child's ability to be successful in school and in life at this time. Walden's Bachelor of Science in Child Development can help further your current career or can act as a starting point for an exciting and rewarding new profession.

This non-licensed bachelor's program gives you the flexibility to earn your degree over the Internet while still maintaining your commitments to your career and personal life. Though the non-licensure program may not be beneficial to those who want to teach in a public school, this program might help to teacher preparation programs.

During the course of this program, you will:

• Learn about the most recent findings and schools of thought regarding child development and learning.
• Have a chance to examine the benefits and challenges that diversity brings to early childhood environment.
• Study the philosophies and methods for interaction and teaching young children.
• Understand in-depth about early care and education programs.

Concentrations

There are focuses on Preschool, Infant and Toddlers, and Dual Concentration Preschools.

Preschool

If you are a student in our B.S. in Child Development with a concentration in Preschool program, you will learn a plethora of ways to personally and academically nurture the children you will be teaching. A student, through the Making Connections courses, can be up-to-date with discussions and explorations of current research, issues and trends, which are affecting the lives of young children, their families, and the student's work as an early care and education professional.

The courses on The Bachelor of Science in Child Development are according to the standards of the National Association for the Education of Young Children. These standards are important indicators of professionalism in early care and education and the inclusion of them is proof positive of the integrity of the Walden learning experience in addition to its relevancy in an educational atmosphere.

Preschool studies are centered around:

• Conduct and activities in the classroom that encourage healthy growth and involvement.
• The ability to be an advocate for children, families, and the profession.
• A comprehensive understanding of the different types of play and their roles in a child's mental, physical, and emotional development and well-being.
• The ability to nurture social development and emotional development.
• Encouraging development in speech, reading, and writing.
• The ability to design and implement classes which encourage total child development in a culturally enriching, child-oriented environment, and the ability to provide adequate assessment of developmental growth.

Infant/Toddler

If you are a student in our B.S. in Child Development with a concentration in Infant/Toddler program, you will be instructed in the ways infants and toddlers can establish meaningful relationships socially and academically, and you will learn how to respond to the emotional, physical, and cognitive growth. The Making Connections courses are designed to keep you in touch with the issues and trends that are affecting the children you are teaching and their families.

Our Bachelor of Science in Child Development courses are created following the standards of the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC). Walden is committed to adhering to the standards that have been set regarding early childhood care and education.,

Classes pertaining to Infant/Toddler work are focused on:

• Professional conduct and an understanding of infant/toddler needs and development.
• The importance of a child's interactions with caregivers and family with regard to the child’s learning processes.
• Helping the child reach developmental milestones in a healthy and timely manner.
• Showing respect, appreciation, and commitment towards families from all kinds of backgrounds.
• Developing and implementing age-appropriate, family oriented programs which are focused around promoting a child's understanding of the world around them culturally, developmentally, and environmentally.

Dual Concentration (Preschool and Infant/Toddler)

While dealing with Preschool and Infant/Toddler, a person has to bear in mind the foundations of development and the importance of relationships to the emotional and social aspects of toddlers and infants. You will examine the responsibilities and roles of professionals working at the preschool level. You will pay particular attention to the development of mathematical concepts, language and vocabulary, scientific concepts, and social skills in preschool children. With the Making Connections classes, you will stay current by discussing and examining recent studies, styles and situations that are affecting the lifestyles of juveniles, their families, and your employment as a youth care and education expert.

The standards of the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) are what the Bachelor of Science in Child Development courses are based on. Walden is committed to ensuring that special attention is given to standards that measure the quality of early childhood care and education.