Child and Family Studies

History

The Child and Family Studies program is representative of the efforts of Portland State University (PSU) to broaden and deepen our collaboration with the community. It was designed by faculty and professionals from varied disciplines at PSU and the Oregon Health Sciences University in cooperation with community agencies and organizations.  In existence since 1994, the program is intended to extend university/community interaction and to respond to the needs and resources of the metropolitan area by preparing professionals to work with children, youth and families in the community.

Program

The program represents an integration of theory, research and practice from multiple disciplines across the PSU campus.  It is a unique blend of liberal arts and professional education.  Graduates may begin careers as early childhood educators, social service agency administrators, parent educators, family advocates, youth workers, social services caseworkers, early intervention/special education assistants, and services providers for community agencies serving children, youth and families.  The program also provides a foundation of course work for students who intend to pursue graduate work in education, counseling, social work, public  administration, juvenile justice,  conflict resolution or other related disciplines. 

Program strengths include interdisciplinary seminars and extensive community-based practicum experiences.  Students are commonly involved in practicum opportunities such as assisting with an infant/toddler classroom in a corporate-affiliated child care center, teaching parenting and other life skills to teen moms in a high school program, providing tutoring in a third grade classroom, doing outreach to street youth for a community organization, working in a library as a literacy mentor to child care providers, helping severely disabled children in hospital setting, and many more community situations.  Students have ample opportunity to explore and pursue varied career options. 

Students who major in Child and Family Studies develop an in-depth understanding of family systems and the diverse socio-cultural contexts in which children and families live and grow.  A Professional Portfolio is created as students progress through the program and documents their achievement of the Program Goals.  Additionally, the program offers an opportunity for students to specialize in one of ten specializations: 

• Human Development,
• Families in Society,
• Youth Worker,
• Administration of Programs,
• Early Childhood Education,
• Early Intervention/Early Childhood Special  Education, 
• Special Education for School Aged  Children, 
• Elementary Education,
• Child Welfare/Human Services, and
• International Worker.