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
Email: cad@sfsu.edu
Website: cad.sfsu.edu
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 community, health, and 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 help prepare for post-graduate studies in fields such as education, law, child life, medicine, psychology, social work, recreation, counseling, and physical therapy. 

  1. Early Care & Education: Prepares students to work primarily with young children (infants, toddlers, and preschoolers) 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. The Early Care and Education concentration is also recommended as preparation for students who wish to become early intervention specialists (birth-kindergarten) and plan to enroll in the Early Childhood Special Education credential program after graduation. 
  2. Elementary Education Teaching Pre-Credential: Prepares students who wish to become elementary school teachers and plan to enroll in a Multiple Subjects Teaching Credential programs or K-12 special education teachers and plan to enroll in the Education Specialist Credential programs after graduation. 
  3. Community, Health, and Social Services: Prepares students to work with children from birth through early adulthood and their families in community, health, and social service settings and/or for advanced degrees and professional programs.  

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*… 

Elementary School Setting: Elementary School Teacher*, Special Education Teacher*, Bilingual Teacher*, American Sign Language (ASL) Teacher*, Resource Teacher*, Principal*, Superintendent of Schools*... 

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

Social Services: Social Worker*, Clinical Child Psychologist/Therapist*, Youth Advocate, Counselor*, Marriage and Family Therapist*, 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 in Child and Adolescent Development. Ph.D. Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, Virginia.

Associate Professor

Alison E. Baroody (2013), Associate Professor in Child and Adolescent Development. Ph.D. Purdue University.

Linda Platas (2015), Associate Professor in Child and Adolescent Development. Ph.D. University of California, Berkeley.

Assistant Professor

Rachel Flynn (2020), Assistant Professor in Child and Adolescent Development. Ph.D. University of California, Riverside.

Molly E. Mcmanus (2020), Assistant Professor in Child and Adolescent Development. Ph.D. The University of Texas at Austin.

Majors

Minor

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 permission 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 permission 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 223 Infants, Toddlers, and Families (Units: 3)

Research and theories in developmental science and their application in families and communities from conception to age three. (Plus-minus letter grade; RP grading only) [Formerly CFS 323, FCS 223]

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 permission 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 326 Developing Language and Literacy Skills in Young Children (Units: 3)

Prerequisites: Restricted to Child Development Pre-K to 3rd Grade majors, Child and Adolescent Development majors, and Early Childhood Development minors; CAD 210* and CAD 260*.

Evidence-based theories and application of support for mono- and multi-lingual language and literacy development in early childhood.

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

Prerequisite: Restricted to Child and Adolescent Development majors and Early Childhood Development minors.

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 410GW Applied Developmental Science: Prenatal Through Early Childhood - GWAR (Units: 3)

Prerequisites: Restricted to Child and Adolescent Development majors and Early Childhood Development minors; GE Area A2*; CAD 210 and CAD 260 or equivalents with grades of C or higher.

Research and theories in developmental science and their application to practice from prenatal through early childhood (ABC/NC grading only).

Course Attributes:

  • Graduation Writing Assessment

CAD 411 Applied Developmental Science: Middle Childhood through Emerging Adulthood (Units: 3)

Prerequisite: Restricted to Child and Adolescent Development majors; GE Area A2*; CAD 210 and CAD 260 or equivalents with grades of C or higher.

Research and theories in developmental science and their application to practice from middle childhood through emerging adulthood. (Plus-minus letter grade)

CAD 420 Assessment and Observation with Children (Units: 3)

Prerequisites: Restricted to Child and Adolescent Development majors and Early Childhood Development minors; CAD 210 or equivalent.

Interpretation, evaluation, and practice of measurement and assessment tools used with young children including observation techniques and standardized tests. (Plus-minus letter grade; RP grading only) [Formerly CFS and FCS 420]

CAD 423 Administration of Programs for Young Children (Units: 3)

Prerequisites: Restricted to Child and Adolescent Development majors and Early Childhood Development minors; CAD 210 and CAD 260.

Organization, administration, development, and evaluation of programs serving young children in group settings. Focus on philosophy, program design, staffing, licensing, housing, equipment, funding, and family/community involvement. (Plus-minus letter grade; RP grading 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 500 Research Methods in Child and Adolescent Development (Units: 3)

Prerequisites: Restricted to Child and Adolescent Development majors; CAD 300* and CAD 410GW* with a grade of C or better.

Scientific analysis, writing, research, and statistical methods in child and adolescent development with a focus on conducting socially, culturally, and/or historically contextualized research.

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

Prerequisites: Restricted to Child and Adolescent Development majors; CAD 410* or CAD 411* with a grade of C or higher; CAD 210 and CAD 260 or equivalents.

Scientific analysis, writing, research, and statistical methods in child and adolescent development with a focus on conducting socially, culturally, and/or historically contextualized research. (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 and Early Childhood Development minors; CAD 210, CAD 215, and CAD 260 or equivalents with grades of C or higher; CAD 215 or CAD 230 or equivalents with grades of C or higher.

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 550 Child Life: Theory and Application (Units: 3)

Prerequisites: Restricted to Child and Adolescent Development majors; CAD 300*.

Examination of children and their families in a healthcare setting. Emphasis on the perspective of a Child Life Specialist with the purpose of developing the skills to aid in minimizing the stress and anxiety experienced during hospitalization. Focus on educational and play components, and the general support and scope of practice unique to the field. (Plus-minus letter grade; RP grading only)

CAD 560 Loss and Grief: Children, Youth, Families and Community (Units: 3)

Prerequisites: Restricted to Child and Adolescent Development majors; CAD 300*.

Introduction to concepts surrounding the nature of suffering and issues of death and dying. Examination of these concepts from a theoretical perspective with attention to ethical and moral issues from a cross-cultural diversity perspective, and the impact of death, dying, and bereavement on a family and community. Identification and utilization of resources that promote positive coping skills and strategies for children and youth. (Plus-minus letter grade; RP grading 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 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 and permission of the instructor.

Training and experience in the teaching of child and adolescent development. Serve as Instructional an Aide to a Child and Adolescent Development instructor and receive training in teaching and learning principles as well as participate in teaching-related activities. May be repeated for a total of 6 units.

CAD 699 Independent Study (Units: 1-4)

Prerequisites: Upper-division standing; permission 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.