CHILD AND FAMILY STUDIES

This area of study is for students who are considering careers working with children and families in a wide variety of fields such as education, medicine, family support and social services. The program provides opportunities for personal and professional growth by enabling students to acquire knowledge and develop skills related to nurturing, teaching and enhancing the development of children. It is essential that students seeking careers in Human Service occupations have an adequate understanding of human development and behavior. All members of society influence the growth and development of children, therefore knowledge, and an understanding of human development, will influence actions and ensure a healthy, promising future for children.

HEALTH & FAMILY
HE, AA .5 or 1.0 Credit 9, 10, 11, 12

Students may take one semester or a full year. Students will be provided lab experience in the Child Development Center(s) as part of the curriculum. Effective problem solving strategies and guidance techniques are emphasized.
Students will study health issues as they relate to growth and development. Emphasis is placed on the developing child, within the context of the family. Interpersonal communication, family relationships, media, violence, safety, family planning, nutrition, and child development are some of the topics discussed.
This class is a practical approach to working with and integrating health, family and children.

HUMAN DEVELOPMENT
AA, OS, HE .5 Credit
11, 12
Prerequisite: 1 Semester of Health and Family and teacher recommendation OR 2 semesters of Health and Family

This is a year-long course focusing on the Human Life Span from prenatal development throughout adulthood. The curriculum integrates human relationships, self-evaluation, observation and research techniques, as well as learning and human development theories. Practical experiences and application of classroom presentations will take place in the Child Development Centers, working with children age 6 weeks through 5 years.

CHILD DEVELOPMENT CENTER TEACHING ASSISTANT
CE, OS .5 Credit
11, 12
Prerequisite: Health and Family or Human Development

Students who have completed prerequisites, or are currently enrolled in Child and Family Services, may apply for one of twenty internships in the Child Development Center. Students apply in the spring of their Sophomore or Junior year for the following school year. The internships are full year positions where each student will work up to fifteen hours per week and are paid minimum wage. Teaching assistants work with the professional staff to carry out the management and administrative aspects of the program. Summer work may be available.

CHILD DEVELOPMENT PRACTICUM
OS .25-.5 Credit
11, 12
Prerequisite: Currently enrolled in, or has completed a semester of, Health and Family or Human Development

Students interested in gaining more experience with young children may develop an individual schedule to work in the Child Development Center. Work times are scheduled between the hours of 7:30am and 5:30pm, daily, and students may choose from the Infant Toddler Center or the Preschool. Students will supervise the children’s activities, assist with daily routines in the center and, depending upon individual interest, carry out projects in the center. Individual schedules are developed with the Program Coordinator.

FOODWISE
AA .5 Credit
(2nd semester only) 11, 12

In this one semester course, students will learn how to become a wise consumer of foods and food products. By comparing nutrition labels with advertising claims, students will learn which products are “good buys” and which are not. Students will learn how to prepare meals on a budget. The process of comparison shopping will show students how they can stretch their food dollar without sacrificing taste or nutrition. This course is especially recommended for juniors and seniors who will be going out on their own soon. It will benefit both their pocketbook and their health while providing a fun, hands-on way to learn about foods.
Lab Fee: $20.

TEEN PARENT SEMINAR
AA 1.0 Credit
9, 10, 11, 12
Prerequisites: Instructor consent only

Teen Parent Seminar is a program designed to serve school-aged pregnant young women and teen-aged parents in Eugene School District 4J. It is open to students from throughout the school district. The course covers child development and effective parenting techniques. It serves as a support network for teen-aged parents, and provides vocational and career guidance and counseling. Students in the Seminar enroll their child in the Infant-Toddler Center of the Child Development Center and work with the staff in the centers to provide quality care for the children.

HUMAN SERVICES SEMINAR
AA, OS, SS 1.5 Credit
Prerequisite: Human Development

This year-long seminar will focus on advanced topics in both sociology and psychology. Presentation, writing and teaching skills will be emphasized. Topics we cover will include moral and ethical development (both personal and professional), career development, and social issues. Further issues, such as human relations and mediation, will be explored also. During this year, the student will select an area of interest and complete 90 hours of a career related learning experience in their area of choice. This course will end with a final project and completion of the student’s portfolio.