ODP.BSCD - BS Child Development (online)

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Program Code

ODP.BSCD

Program Title

BS Child Development

Program Description

The Child Development Major equips students to work with very young chil-dren (birth through age 8) in a variety of settings, preparing activities and environments that foster children's development physically, socially, emotionally, spiritually, and cognitively. Coursework is designed to lead students toward becoming Christ-centered, service-focused mentors to young children and their families. Constructivist philosophy is emphasized, which focuses on learners as individuals with unique skills, needs, and learning styles. Graduates of the program are equipped to work in preschools, camps, daycare centers, private Christian schools, churches, non-profit programs, community organizations, and other settings that serve children and their families.

Teacher Certification and Non-Certification. Please note the following important information. Direct questions to the B.S. in Child Development Program Coordinator, Dr. Lacey Southerland (Lacey. Southerland@Point.edu). . The online B.S. in Child Development does not meet requirements for Georgia state teacher certification at the elementary level (PreK-5th grade). Students who desire such certification should enroll in Point's on-ground B.A. or B.S. program in Elementary Education. For more information about the Elementary Education program, contact Dr. James Donovan, Chair of the Teacher Education Department (Jim.Donovan@Point.edu). . The online B.S. in Child Development does meet the minimum education require-ment to be a Lead Teacher in a Georgia PreK classroom. For more information, contact the Georgia Department of Early Care and Learning (www.decal.ga.gov). . The online B.S. in Child Development does satisfy course requirements for an Early Education (birth through PreK) teacher certificate from the Association of Chris-tian Schools International (www.acsi.org)http://www.acsi.org)/. Upon graduation, students may choose to apply for this certificate from ACSI.

Modality. Point University offers the B.S. in Child Development in Point Connect format, which features a live 2-hour videoconference each week. Apart from the videoconference, online students engage in asynchronous learning through a course web-site that facilitates interaction with their instructor and classmates throughout the week.

Learning Outcomes

Program Purpose and Student Learning Objectives

Purpose. The Child Development Major prepares students to be Christ-centered, service-focused mentors to young children, focused on fostering their development physically, socially, emotionally, spiritually, and cognitively.

The Child Development Major builds on Point University’s mission, values, and Core Curriculum (General Studies and Character Core) to accomplish the following student learning objectives:

Objective 1: Develop professionals who can evaluate and respond to young children’s behavior, communication, and characteristics in the context of develop-mentally-appropriate expectations.

Objective 2: Develop professionals who use constructivist philosophy in preparing materials, environments, curricula, and activities to foster and enhance young children’s growth and development.

Objective 3: Develop professionals who are familiar with and able to apply knowledge about the key elements of history, philosophical models, laws, trends, and issues related to young children’s development and education.

Objective 4: Develop professionals who act as mentors and role models as they minister to children and their families, demonstrating a Christ-centered, service-focused attitude of collegiality, professionalism, reflection, and ethical behavior.

Objective 5: Develop professionals who are prepared to respond appropriately, lovingly, and non-judgmentally to the diverse needs, abilities, individual characteristics, and cultural practices of the young children and families they serve.

Recommended Course Sequence

Choosing a Character Core Track. Students who complete all courses in the Theological Track graduate with a Biblical Studies Minor. If students want to combine elements of both tracks while meeting the program learning objectives, they must complete one course in each numbered category in sequence. In other words, they must complete one course labeled [1], and then one course labeled [2], and then one course labeled [3], and then one course labeled [4], and then one course labeled [5]. For details, see the “Character Core” described under the “Biblical Studies Department.”

Recommended Course Sequence. As online students prepare to enter their program, academic advisors prepare a customized course schedule, or “plan of study,” mapping out which courses students should complete in which sessions from start to graduation. These customized plans take into account degree requirements, transfer credits, pace of study, and other factors toward the goal of speeding students to the finish line in the shortest time possible.

Special Considerations

Practicum. The Child Development program culminates with a combination of two practicum experiences. Students may complete the two experiences in one setting, or they may opt to complete each experience in a different setting. Child Development Practicum I (6 credits) consists of about 16 hours per week at the site and 16 hours per week of online learning activities. Child Development Practicum II (6 credits) consists of about 25 hours per week at the site and 7 hours per week of online learning activities. For both practica, students have the option of replacing some of the online activities with more time at the site. Students will be supervised, observed, and evaluated by a Point University professor and an on-site supervisor. Proof of tort liability and a background check will be required one term before the practicum begins.

Students must apply in advance to give the supervising professor time to make arrangements for the practicum experience, which begins in January. The deadline for applying is December 1.