The Department of Child Development educates Child Development Specialists who are capable of assessing all areas of development (cognitive, language, motor, social, emotional, and self-care) of children aged 0-18, including those with normal development, exceptional abilities, disabilities, those in need of protection, working children, refugees, and children in conflict with the law or hospitalized. These specialists prepare developmental education programs based on these assessments and also provide services to families, educators, and the community. Child development professionals contribute significantly to the formation of a society that is physically and psychologically healthy, inquisitive, critical, questioning, with moral and cultural values, entrepreneurial, and innovative.
Our department’s curriculum is designed to equip students with the competencies to determine children’s developmental levels, monitor their progress, prepare developmentally appropriate programs, create learning environments tailored to developmental needs, and provide consultancy related to the field to families, individuals working in child development, institutions, and organizations.
Courses are offered in the fall and spring semesters each year. Students who complete a total of 240 ECTS credits’ worth of courses by the end of the 8th semester, along with completing the practical courses, are eligible for graduation. After exempting from the preparatory class or upon completing it, the program must be completed within a minimum of 4 and a maximum of 7 years.
Graduates of this program work as Child Development Specialists in various private and public institutions.
JOB OPPORTUNITIES FOR OUR GRADUATES
Our graduates work as experts, consultants, founders, administrators, and supervisors in the following fields:
- Institutions affiliated with the Ministry of Family, Labor and Social Services
- Official and private institutions such as community health centers, hospitals, and hospital schools under the Ministry of Health
- Child monitoring centers under the Ministry of Justice
- Child courts
- Ministry of National Education; General Directorate of Basic Education
- General Directorate of Special Education and Guidance Services
- Guidance and Research Centers
- Public Education Centers
- Board of Education and Discipline
- Preschools
- Special education and rehabilitation centers
- Preparation and implementation of children’s and youth programs as well as educational programs on radio and television
- Children’s theaters and children’s films
- Development of publications for children such as books, magazines, and newspapers
- Educational toy production
- UNICEF, ILO, and voluntary organizations
- Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs)
Our Mission
Our mission is to educate child development professionals who are critical thinkers, respectful of human rights, open to lifelong learning, embrace a multidisciplinary approach, possess professional competence, and adhere to ethical and universal values. We aim to provide education and training at international standards, conduct research and applications, be sensitive to societal issues, and develop innovative practices.
Our Vision
Our vision is to shape the policies related to child development in our country, make a difference with education, research, and community service practices in the field of health sciences, and become a department that is followed and cited on international scientific platforms, creating both national and global impact.
Who Can Apply to the Program?
Candidates with a Placement Exam (YKS) Equal Weight Placement Score who are interested in child development and education, have affection for children, and are willing to work for their best interests, can apply to our department.
Student Clubs
Within our department, there are two student clubs: “Children’s Shadows Club” and “Child Development Club.” Students actively participate in organizing extracurricular activities, set up stands on our campuses for planned events during special days and weeks, create posters, and organize donation drives. Additionally, they contribute significantly to their resumes through podcast broadcasts on Radio Gedik.
Double Major Opportunity
Our department students have the opportunity to pursue a double major with the Department of Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation, Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, and Department of Nursing under the Faculty of Health Sciences.