Child & Adolescent Development

College of Health and Social Sciences

Dean: Dr. Alvin Alvarez

Department of Child and Adolescent Development

HSS 348
Phone: (415) 405-3564
Fax: (415) 405-0401
Email: cad@sfsu.edu
Website: cad.sfsu.edu
Acting Chair: Linda M. Platas

Program Scope

Through a social justice lens, the Bachelor of Arts in Child and Adolescent Development (CAD) provides broad undergraduate preparation for students interested in early care and learning, elementary education, special education, and a variety of social service careers. The major supports and engages students as they gain knowledge about children, youth, and their families from a developmental perspective and prepares them to serve in school and community settings. All of our concentrations prepare students for advanced study in various disciplines. Students choose courses in their concentration to prepare for post-graduate studies in fields such as education, law, child life, medicine, psychology, social work, recreation, counseling, and physical therapy.

  1. Early Childhood: Prepares students to work in a variety of settings from social service agencies to preschools, serving children to birth to five-years-old and their families. This concentration is recommended for students who wish to meet requirements for the Child Development Permit issued by the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing.
  2. School Age Child and Family: Prepares students who wish to become elementary school teachers and plan to enroll in a Multiple Subjects Teaching Credential Program after graduation.
  3. Youth Work and Out of School Time: Prepares students to work in out-of-school time programs such as after-school programs, social service agencies, juvenile justice, recreation, residential treatment facilities for school-age children and youth, or other community-based programs for children and youth.

Mission Statement

The Department of Child & Adolescent Development (CAD) prepares students to be competent professionals in their work as advocates for children, youth, and families. Using a social justice lens, CAD values teaching and experiential learning that incorporates diversity of background and experiences, current and relevant research, and high-quality instruction.

Career Outlook

The outlook for careers working with children and adolescents is positive. Surveys of employers and community agencies that offer positions working with children, adolescents, and families indicate that there is a need for professionals in those areas who have a strong foundation of knowledge and skills about child and adolescent development. Although not exhaustive, the career opportunities include:

Early Care and Learning: Preschool Teacher, Infant-toddler Teacher, Site Supervisor, Program Director, Curriculum Specialist, Parent Educator, Family Advocate, Behavioral Technician, Family Child Care Provider, Child Care Resource & Referral Specialist, Speech and Language Pathologist*, Early Childhood Special Education Interventionist/Teacher*...

Health-Related Professions: Child Life Specialist*, Physical Therapist*, Pediatric Occupational Therapist*, Nurse*, Pediatric Nurse*, Nurse Practitioner*, Pediatrician*, Family Practice Physician*, Health Educator*...

Social Services: Social Worker*, Clinical Child Psychologist/Therapist*, Youth Advocate, Counselor*, Marriage and Family Therapist*...

Elementary School Setting: Elementary School Teacher*, Special Education Teacher*, Bilingual Teacher*, American Sign Language (ASL) Teacher*, Resource Teacher*, Principal*, Superintendent of Schools*, School Counselor*, School Psychologist*, Speech and Language Pathologist*, Parent Educator, Behavioral Technician...

Out-of-School Time: Enrichment Program Leader, Youth Program Leader, Outdoor Program Instructor/Leader, After-School Program Director, Site Coordinator...

Justice System: Child Advocate Attorney*, Juvenile Probation Officer*, Family Law Attorney*...

Government/Non-Profit/Policy: Program Officer*, Grant Writer, Program Evaluator, Education/Tech Curriculum Designer, Program Coordinator, Researcher*, Non-profit Manager*, Advocate/Lobbyist*, Policy Analyst*, International Education Consultant*...

*Requires a graduate degree, additional coursework, or certification/credential/license.

Professor

SOYEON PARK (2007), Professor of Child and Adolescent Development; B.S. (1994), M.A. (1996), Yonsei University, Seoul, Korea; Ph.D. (2001), Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, Virginia.

Associate Professor

ALISON E. BAROODY (2013), Associate Professor of Child and Adolescent Development; B.S. (2005), University of Illinois; M.S. (2007), Purdue University; Ph.D. (2011), Purdue University.

LINDA PLATAS (2015), Associate Professor of Child and Adolescent Development; B.A. (2003), San Francisco State University; M.A. (2004), Ph.D. (2008), University of California, Berkeley.

Assistant Professor

RACHEL FLYNN (2020), Assistant Professor of Child and Adolescent Development; B.S. (1998), University of Michigan; M.A. (2004), Teacher’s College, Columbia University; Ph.D. (2013), University of California, Riverside.

MOLLY E. MCMANUS (2020), Assistant Professor of Child and Adolescent Development; B.S. (2010), California Polytechnic State University; M.A. (2015), Ph.D. (2018), The University of Texas at Austin.

Majors

Explanation of Course Descriptions, Symbols, and Terms

CAD 120 Child Development, Social Justice, and Academic Success (Units: 3)

Prerequisite: Restricted to freshmen.

Focus on educational and social justice for child and adolescent development. General education skills, writing, oral communication, critical thinking, and quantitative reasoning are systematically reinforced. (Plus-minus letter grade only)

Course Attributes:

  • E1 LLD Pre-Fall 2019
  • C2: Humanities
  • Am. Ethnic & Racial Minorities
  • Global Perspectives
  • Social Justice

CAD 210 Introduction to Applied Child and Adolescent Development (Units: 3)

Prerequisite: GE Area A2 or consent of the instructor.

Study of the growth and development of children from prenatal through adolescence. Physical, cognitive, linguistic, social, moral, and emotional aspects of development with attention to both typical and atypical development in each area are discussed. Focus on the influences of culture, family, environment, and abuse/neglect. Introduction to an application of development knowledge to best inform practices and interactions with infants, children, and adolescents. (Plus-minus letter grade only)

Course Attributes:

  • D1: Social Sciences

CAD 215 Foundations in Early Childhood (Units: 3)

Prerequisite: ENG 114 or equivalent or consent of instructor. Priority enrollment for freshmen and sophomores.

Observation of teachers and children under the age of five years in a quality licensed center or program. Foundations and best practices in early childhood education. (Plus-minus letter grade only)

CAD 230 Principles and Practices in Early Childhood Programs (Units: 3)

Historical context and theoretical perspectives in early care and education. Examination of the role of the early childhood educator, identification of best practices for environmental design, curriculum, and teaching strategies. Exploration of teacher-child relationships, professional ethics, career pathways, and professional standards. (Plus-minus letter grade only) [CSL may be available]

CAD 260 Children, Families, and Community: An Ecological Perspective (Units: 3)

Prerequisite: GE Area A2 or consent of the instructor.

Understanding children, families, and community from an ecological perspective. Emphasis on the contribution of basic and applied research to development in relation to family and community.

Course Attributes:

  • E1 LLD Pre-Fall 2019
  • D1: Social Sciences
  • Am. Ethnic & Racial Minorities
  • Global Perspectives
  • Social Justice

CAD 300 Professional Roles and Careers in Child and Adolescent Development (Units: 3)

Prerequisite: Restricted to Child and Adolescent Development majors.

Overview of the field of child and adolescent development including an introduction to careers providing services to children, youth, and families. Topics include current issues and trends in providing services for children, youth, and families in the United States, and a historical overview of social services, education, and public policies related to children, youth, and families. (Plus-minus letter grade only)

CAD 330 Curriculum and Development in Early Childhood (Units: 3)

Prerequisites: Restricted to Child and Adolescent Development majors; upper-division standing or consent of the instructor.

Curriculum and environments for young children. Exploration of teaching strategies and curriculum development based on theoretical frameworks, observation, and assessment. Focus on the teacher's role in supporting development and learning across the curriculum, including all content areas. (Plus-minus letter grade only) [CSL may be available]

CAD 400 Community Youth Development (Units: 3)

Prerequisites: Restricted to Child and Adolescent Development majors; upper-division standing; CAD 210 and CAD 260 or equivalents.

Introduction to youth and community development with an emphasis on community supports and opportunities for healthy youth development. Theories and research used to construct a framework for youth development. Program models and legislation are examined. Includes off-campus work with a local youth/community program. (Plus-minus letter grade only) [CSL may be available]

CAD 410 Applied Child and Youth Development (Units: 3)

Prerequisites: Restricted to Child and Adolescent Development majors; CAD 210 and CAD 260 or equivalents.

Understanding of child and adolescent development based upon research and particularly its application to practice. Current and emerging issues associated with the promotion of child and youth development will be reviewed. (Plus-minus letter grade only)

CAD 450 Understanding and Working with Diverse Families (Units: 3)

Prerequisites: Restricted to Child and Adolescent Development majors; CAD 210 and CAD 260 or equivalents.

Drawing on a variety of disciplines, examination of experiences of families including family diversity, theories on families, and challenges families face; application in the areas of family engagement, involvement, and support. (Plus-minus letter grade only)

CAD 460 Globalization and Family Relations (Units: 3)

Prerequisites: Restricted to Child and Adolescent Development majors; CAD 210, and CAD 260, or equivalents.

Examination of the concepts of globalization, migration, and transnationalism to understand families and family relations within the larger context of cultural and social influences. (Plus-minus letter grade only)

Course Attributes:

  • Global Perspectives

CAD 500GW Action Research Methods in Child and Adolescent Development - GWAR (Units: 3)

Prerequisites: Restricted to Child and Adolescent Development majors; GE Area A2; CAD 210, CAD 260, and CAD 410* or equivalents with grades of C or better.

Introduction to action research including the design and methodology of research studies and principles of action research. Development of a systematic plan to address social problems that affect children, youth, and families. (ABC/NC grading only)

Course Attributes:

  • Graduation Writing Assessment

CAD 510 Adult Supervision and Leadership in Early Childhood Programs (Units: 3)

Prerequisites: Restricted to Child and Adolescent Development majors; CAD 210, CAD 215, and CAD 260 or equivalents.

Exploration of adult supervision, administration and leadership in early childhood programs from theoretical and personal perspectives. (Plus-minus letter grade only)

CAD 525 Honors Seminar in Child and Adolescent Development (Units: 3)

Prerequisite: Restricted to upper-division Child and Adolescent Development majors.

Examination of theory, research, and practice in child and adolescent development that can be applied to international, national, and local contexts. (Plus-minus letter grade only)

CAD 540 Ethics and Principles in Serving Youth (Units: 3)

Prerequisites: Restricted to Child and Adolescent Development majors; CAD 210 and CAD 260 or equivalents.

Understanding of practice and service provision, key ethical issues, the values that underpin them, and how youth work can be professionally conducted; ethics within the framework of the ecological model. (Plus-minus letter grade only)

CAD 600 Child and Adolescent Development Internship Seminar (Unit: 1)

Prerequisites: Restricted to senior Child and Adolescent Development majors; completion of 30 units in major with grades of C or better; approval of internship application; concurrent enrollment in CAD 601.

Analysis and discussion of agencies that serve children, youth, and families with regard to professional competencies, standards and ethics, leadership, organizational structure, and functioning. Prepares students for professional employment in the field of child and adolescent development. (Plus-minus letter grade only)

CAD 601 Child and Adolescent Development Internship (Units: 2)

Prerequisites: Restricted to senior Child and Adolescent Development majors; 36 units of major coursework with grades of C or better; approval of internship application; must be taken concurrently with CAD 600.

Supervised experience in educational institutions, health and human service agencies, and organizations that serve children, youth, and families. (CR/NC grading only)

CAD 610 Early Childhood Internship Seminar (Unit: 1)

Prerequisites: Restricted to upper-division students; CAD 210 and CAD 260; CAD 215 or CAD 230 or equivalents; concurrent enrollment in CAD 611.

Preparation for professional employment in organizations that serve young children and their families; discussion of issues with peers, reflection of initial classroom practices, identification of teaching strengths and weaknesses, and enhancement of own professional development. (Plus-minus letter grade only)

CAD 611 Early Childhood Internship (Units: 2)

Prerequisites: Restricted to upper-division students; CAD 210 and CAD 260; CAD 215 or CAD 230 or equivalents; concurrent enrollment in CAD 610.

Preparation for professional employment in organizations that serve young children and their families. Evaluation based on growth and development within standards, competencies, and practices to best support development outcomes of children and management of classroom environments. (CR/NC only)

CAD 625 Children, Youth, and Public Policy (Units: 3)

Prerequisites: Restricted to Child and Adolescent Development majors; CAD 210 and CAD 260 or equivalents.

Overview of how public policies for services for children and youth are developed, adopted, and implemented; policy process and historical and current policy issues in areas of education and child care. (Plus-minus letter grade only; CR/NC not allowed)

CAD 650 Child Advocacy (Units: 3)

Prerequisites: Restricted to Child and Adolescent Development majors; CAD 210 and CAD 260 or equivalents.

Effective advocacy for children in a variety of settings: organizations, communities, human services systems, regional government, and legislatures. Strategies learned in class will be applied to real-life issues in a community service learning component. [CSL may be available]

CAD 660 Applied Advanced Developmental Science in Child and Adolescent Development (Units: 3)

Prerequisites: Restricted to senior CAD Majors; CAD 210, CAD 260, CAD 300*, and CAD 410*.

Synthesis of research and application in developmental science to promote positive development across childhood and adolescence. (Plus-minus letter grade only)

CAD 680 International Field Study in Child and Adolescent Development (Units: 3)

Prerequisite: Child and Adolescent Development majors with a GPA of 3.0 or better or consent of instructor.

Comparison of child development programs and settings in international venues with that of the U.S. Involves travel as a group for 2 to 3 weeks to selected countries outside the U.S. May be repeated for a total of 6 units.

CAD 685 Projects in the Teaching of CAD (Units: 1-4)

Prerequisites: A grade of B+ or better in the course that the student will be assisting in; consent of the instructor.

Instructional aides have the opportunity to increase knowledge of course topics and understanding of teaching and learning. Provide assistance to students with in-class activities. (Students may earn a maximum of 4 units toward the baccalaureate degree for any course(s) numbered 685 regardless of discipline.)

CAD 699 Independent Study (Units: 1-4)

Prerequisites: Upper-division standing; consent of the instructor and major adviser.

An intensive study of a particular issue in child and adolescent development selected by the student. Enrollment by petition. May be repeated for a total of 6 units.