About Early Childhood, Youth, and Family Studies

The Department of Early Childhood, Youth, and Family Studies includes programs that promote the development, education, and well-being of children from birth through adolescence and foster healthy family functioning. Our impactful programs provide students with valuable training for real-world application, be it in the classroom, community, or the home.

The Early Childhood Education programs focus on the preparation of teachers for preschool and K-3 classrooms, with an emphasis on engaging with families and community.

The Family and Child program includes three interrelated concentrations: child development, child life, and family studies. Students graduate equipped to work in a variety of settings—from child care centers to hospitals to family service agencies—or primed to pursue graduate or doctoral studies.

Our Mission

We prepare and empower our students to support children and families within various home, educational, community, and professional environments. We promote excellence, advocacy, and leadership through community-engaged, equity-focused, and culturally responsive pedagogies that integrate current research, theory, and practice.