This option is available within the Human Development and Family Sciences major at the following location:

• OSU-Cascades

This option prepares students to promote lifelong development, learning, and well-being of children and families. Through a focus on the early childhood period from prenatal through age 8 years, students examine dynamics among children, families, schools, communities, and cultures that have lasting impacts throughout life. Practicum and internship experiences prepare students to work directly with children and families in preschools, Head Start programs, child care, early intervention/early childhood special education, or parent and family support. Graduates also create and implement prevention and intervention programs, and pursue graduate study in fields such as education, special education, counseling, human development and family science, psychology, sociology, and social work.

Option Code: 838

Upon successful completion of the program, students will meet the following learning outcomes:

• Translate and apply relevant theory and research to culturally-responsive, evidence-based practices with individuals, families, and communities.
• Demonstrate an understanding of the ecological contexts in which individuals and families develop and how contexts reinforce systems of privilege and oppression.
• Demonstrate growth in a commitment to equity, inclusion, diversity and social justice in practice with individuals, families and communities.
• Critically evaluate policies, programs, and practices with relevance to the wellbeing of all individuals and families.
• Understand the methods by which public health identifies potential causes of population health status, and identifies potential targets for intervention.
• Describe the fundamental roles of public health and how those roles are operationalized in public health organization, funding, workforce, and regulations.

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Baccalaureate Core Course (BCC)

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Writing Intensive Course (WIC)

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Core Education course. Applies only to students admitted to an OSU undergraduate degree from Summer 2025 onwards

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Central Oregon Community College (COCC)

Option Code: 838