QUICK FACTS
Family and Child Major
Students in child life typically have room to declare two concentrations (like a double major) within the Family and Child Major:
Early interventionists (or developmental therapists) help identify and work with young children, birth-35 months, with developmental delays. By using specific exercises and play activities with young children, and helping parents support the child's needs, early interventionists help mitigate the risks of disability and improve the lives of children and families. The program has a strong emphasis on working with infants and toddlers in their home environment and prepares you to evaluate children's developmental needs and progress, develop and implement Individualized Family Service Plans (IFSP's), and monitor the results of intervention.
Program Benefits
- Quality Faculty: Our instructors have real-world experience in family and child. Read their bios.
- Hands-on Experience: Our coursework includes hands-on experience in the Mitchell Early Childhood and Family Center.
- Real-World Applications: Our programs offer real-world applications and immersive learning projects that make finding a job after graduation much easier.
- Living Learning Community: As a freshman, you’ll live in North West Hall with other Early Childhood, Youth, and Family Studies students. Our Living-Learning Community will allow you to get to know your classmates and connect with our campus through team-building activities that promote higher academic achievement. Learn more.
Student Objectives
- Understand theories in family and child and be able to apply them in practice
- Understand and critically evaluate the research process and key content knowledge in early intervention and translate research findings and key content knowledge into practice
- Understand and demonstrate professional behavior
- Demonstrate effective oral and written communication skills for early intervention, including the use of technology when appropriate
- Understand the influence of the broader social, cultural and historical context on children, families, and relationships and apply these to practice in the early intervention field
Take the Next Step
If you’d like to learn more about our Early Intervention concentration, complete our online form. Or one of the best ways to get a true feel for Ball State is to see it for yourself, so schedule a visit today! And if you’re ready to apply, review our admission requirements and complete our online application.
Have Questions?
Contact the Department of Early Childhood, Youth, and Family Studies so we can help.
CONTACT US