The Child Studies major is designed for undergraduates interested in careers working with children and families in school or community settings.

The Pre-Teaching emphasis provides a broad liberal arts background related to the elementary school curriculum, as well as a set of courses designed to introduce future teachers to the research foundations of best practices in education, child development, and issues and policies related to the schools. Students with a B.S. in Liberal Studies in the Pre-Teaching emphasis are prepared to go on to post-graduate studies related to their career goals such as teacher credential programs.

The curriculum encompasses a social-justice, anti-racist, and cultural competence perspective, all constructs that are critical for 21st-century child advocates. As a complement to the curriculum, CHST majors work extensively with children and families in local schools and community-based programs. Our faculty is committed to addressing the myriad issues affecting marginalized populations: education policy, the pre-school to prison pipeline, socio-emotional processes, political dynamics, community organizing, institutional change, and so much more.

Child Studies majors earn a Bachelor of Science degree and are prepared to matriculate to graduate studies in fields, such as teacher education, social work, counseling, psychology, law and more. CHST advisors can provide information about teaching credential programs and many other vocations requiring further graduate or professional school education. Our CHST alumni pursue careers in social work, teaching, counseling, family law, speech and language pathology, occupational therapy, or nonprofit agencies that provide community services to children and families.

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Submissions from 2019

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The Implementation of Mindfulness‐Based, Trauma‐Informed Parent Education in an Underserved Latino Community: The Emergence of a Community Workforce, Barbara M. Burns, Jennifer Merritt, Laura Chyu, and Roberto Gil

Submissions from 2018

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The Sacramental Nature of Community, Jennifer C. Merritt, Andrea E. Brewster, Irene E. Cermeño, and Phyllis R. Brown

Submissions from 2015

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‘Everyone Has Humanity in Them’: Multidimensional Teaching and Learning Through Philosophy-based Discussion, Jennifer Merritt and Loren Intolubbe-Chmil

Submissions from 2007

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Immigration Dialogue: The Immigrant in Our Midst, Theron N. Ford and Jennifer Merritt