Child and Family Studies

CHFS 1100. Transitioning to University Studies in Child and Family Studies. 1 Credit Hour (Lecture: 1 Hour, Lab: 1 Hour).

An introduction to and analysis of the culture child and family studies. Students will examine best practices when working with families and children from diverse backgrounds and needs through directed field experiences. This course also meets the First Year Seminar requirement.

CHFS 1304. Infant and Toddler Development. 3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab: 0 Hours).

Emphasis is on the child from conception through younger years with a study of growth and development in the family setting. Directed observation in approved settings is required.

CHFS 3300. Child Development: Theory, Research, and Practice. 3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab: 0 Hours).

A survey of the child's physical, mental, social, and emotional development from birth to 18 years old. Emphasis is placed on the three year old to adolescent child and those factors which influence his/her growth. Credit for both CHFS 3300 and FACS 3300 will not be awarded. All CHFS majors must earn a grade of C or better in the course. Prerequisite Course: Junior classification or approval of department head. This course is a requirement for admission to the Tarleton Teacher Education Program with a C or better. Field experience hours are required for this course. Prerequisite: Junior classification or approval of department head.

CHFS 3305. Management of a Licensed Child Care Program. 3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab: 0 Hours).

Basic principles of the management of licensed child care programs are studied. Topics covered include planning, operating, supervising and evaluation of practices within early learning programs based on child care licensing minimum standard regulations and expectations. 8 field experience hours required.

CHFS 3306. Application of Management of a Licensed Child Care Program. 3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab: 0 Hours).

Principles of management of licensed child care programs are analyzed and applied based on child care licensing minimum standard regulations and expectations. Topics covered include personnel management, training requirements, professionalism, advocacy, legal and ethical issues within the early learning field. 8 field experience hours required.

CHFS 3310. Methodology of Family Life Education. 3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab: 0 Hours).

An understanding of the philosophies and principles of family life education, including knowledge of the family life certification process and content areas. This course will include a survey and critique of various existing family life education programs as well as the development, implementation, and evaluation of new evidence-based programs.

CHFS 3315. Concept Development in Early Childhood. 3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab: 0 Hours).

An exploration of theory and practice in teaching science, mathematics, social studies/diversity and technology to young children. An emphasis is placed on developmentally appropriate practices that facilitate skill development. This course includes 8 hours of field experience in an early childhood classroom. Prerequisite: Prerequisite of or concurrent enrollment in CHFS 3300.

CHFS 3316. Human Intimacy. 3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab: 0 Hours).

A functional approach to the understanding of the interpersonal dynamics and choices in primary and secondary relationships such as those with friends, dating partners, and potential mates. The study will include a brief historical and cross-cultural perspective with emphasis on the roots of modern American customs and the rituals of dating and mate selection. Current issues in human sexuality are included. A major component of the class is a study of interpersonal communication.

CHFS 3322. Fragile Family Systems. 3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab: 0 Hours).

The course is designed to examine the issues that surround families that could be considered fragile. An in-depth look will be presented as to how these situations impact children and families along with the theories of trauma to these types of families.

CHFS 3333. Family Financial Management. 3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab: 0 Hours).

Special emphasis is given to the use of family finances in achieving goals. Consideration made for financial protection and financial planning for the family life cycle.

CHFS 3344. Creative Arts and Literature for Children. 3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab: 0 Hours). [WI]

An exploration of theory, practice, and materials for teaching young children music, movement, visual arts, and literacy. An emphasis will be placed on developmentally appropriate practice including process-focused activities and skill development. Direct observation and practice in approved off-campus settings is required. Prerequisite: Prerequisite of or concurrent enrollment in CHFS 3300.

CHFS 3353. Child and Youth Guidance. 3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab: 0 Hours).

This course examines positive guidance strategies for children from birth to eight years. Students will explore theoretical foundations related to child development and the implementation of various models to foster self-control, organize environments and curriculum for pro-social skills, methods for addressing persistent and challenging behaviors. Emphasis will be on behavior management and on guidance strategies for preschool and early elementary children. The course will also explore a wide variety of issues in relation to parenting, child-rearing practices, and child-family relations. Direct observation and practice in approved off-campus settings is required. Prerequisite: Prerequisite of or concurrent enrollment in CHFS 3300.

CHFS 4085. Internship Seminar. 1-3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 1-3 Hours, Lab: 0 Hours).

This internship includes supervised, field-based activities working with children and/or families. Students are required to conduct a reflective analysis of their internship activities. May be repeated for credit. 225 hours of direct observation and practice in approved off-campus settings is required. Prerequisite: CHFS 3300.

CHFS 4088. CHFS Honors Thesis. 6 Credit Hours (Lecture: 0-6 Hours, Lab: 0 Hours).

Supervised research and writing of an Honors thesis directed by a faculty member in a chosen area of specialization. An Honors thesis is a substantive piece of scholarship or creative work involving primary and/or secondary research, which serves to demonstrate mastery over the discourse, methods, and content of at least one academic, creative, or professional field. This course will be taken in the semester in which the thesis is completed and defended. Prerequisite: Approval of Dean of Honors College.

CHFS 4309. Parenting. 3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab: 0 Hours).

A contemporary approach to basic principles and skills needed for effective parenting. Study will include assessment of parenting programs and techniques. Emphasis is placed on creating nurturing home environments through the life cycle.

CHFS 4317. Environments in Early Childhood. 3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab: 0 Hours).

This course will offer a broad perspective and exploration of early childhood environments, emphasizing the relationships between the children’s learning, adult engagement, and the environment. Students will expand their current views and ideas about children’s education by investigating and discussing indoor/outdoor spaces; encountering when and how the environment acts as a teacher; building a curriculum; creating a sense of belonging; and discovering how to pay close attention to details in the environment. Topics will also include including children with special needs and working with children in a variety of environments including medical settings. Eight hours of field experience required. Prerequisite: pre-requisite or concurrent enrollment of CHFS 3300.

CHFS 4320. Early Intervention Services. 3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab: 0 Hours).

This course covers the systems of services available in various states around the country that assists infants and toddlers with developmental delays or disabilities. Students will learn what constitutes a developmental delay, developmental milestones, screening and/or evaluations, Individual Family Service Plans, and the personnel and their roles involved in early intervention services.

CHFS 4340. Play Theory and Research. 3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab: 0 Hours).

Exploration of historical and contemporary therapeutic play theory and research from infancy through young adulthood. Play environments, learning objectives for various age groups, and play therapy are covered.

CHFS 4345. Child Life. 3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab: 0 Hours).

A review of the historical and theoretical perspectives on the development of the child life field and information on fundamental skills required to help children and families cope with the stress of the health care experience. Child Life programs strive to promote optimum development of children, adolescents and families, to maintain normal living patterns, and to minimize psychological trauma. Child life specialists, as members of the health care team, maintain, enhance, and maximize normal growth and development through play, education, advocacy and therapeutic interventions. At the completion of this course, students will be able to promote the essential child life goals of minimizing stress and anxiety, promote coping, and promote normal development.

CHFS 4350. Policies and Ethical Standards. 3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab: 0 Hours). [WI]

A study of moral, ethical, and legal issues faced by professionals working with children and families. Students will learn to assess each situation independently and evaluate alternative approaches to promoting optimal development. Information on the legal aspects of early childhood intervention, working with young children with special needs, and the ethical treatment of families in poverty will be included. Prerequisite: CHFS 3300, Junior Classification or approval of Instructor.

CHFS 4355. Grief, Loss & Bereavement. 3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab: 0 Hours).

This course is an introduction to concepts surrounding the nature of loss, suffering, grief, and issues of death and dying. Historical, current, cultural, spiritual, and religious perspectives will be examined with attention to ethical and moral issues. Theoretical foundations will be explored as related to death and dying, as well as other types of loss to include divorce, adoption, foster care, palliative care, transitions and symbolic loss and how it impacts children and families.

CHFS 4356. Research Methods in Human Sciences. 3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab: 0 Hours). [WI]

Current research issues and the importance of research in Human Sciences will be discussed. Main tasks include review of literature, introduction to the scientific method of inquiry, analysis of results, and completion of a research paper. All CHFS majors must earn a grade of C or better in the course. Prerequisite: CHFS 3300.

CHFS 4360. Preprofessional Development. 3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab: 0 Hours).

Basic information for professional growth including: information relevant to human sciences careers; business interactions; global business-related social and cultural differences; professional correspondence; development of professional marketing tools such as interview skills, preparation of cover letters and resumes. All CHFS majors must earn a grade of C or better in the course.

CHFS 5086. Special Problems. 1-6 Credit Hours (Lecture: 1-6 Hours, Lab: 0 Hours).

Open to graduate students who are capable of developing a problem independently. Problems chosen by the student and approved in advance by the instructor and department head. Prerequisite: Graduate major in College of Education. Prerequisite: Graduate major in College of Education.

CHFS 5088. Thesis. 1-6 Credit Hours (Lecture: 1-6 Hours, Lab: 0 Hours).

Scheduled when the student is ready to begin the thesis. No credit until the thesis is completed. Prerequisites: Completion of all course work required by the degree and consent of the major professor.

CHFS 5313. Advanced Human Development. 3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab: 0 Hours).

An examination of theories that relate to human development and contemporary research findings in areas of the field of human development. Developmental domains and children's relationships within family and society will be emphasized.

CHFS 5320. Social and Emotional Development. 3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab: 0 Hours).

Contemporary theory and research related to social and emotional development from infancy through young adulthood. Discussion of the impact of social and emotional development on behavior and interpersonal relationships.

CHFS 5321. Family Theories and Research. 3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab: 0 Hours).

Study of family theories and research which employ the contextual framework of the family as a system and which explain family of origin, family functioning, family structure, and family process. Application of theory and research will include an understanding of the various levels of family functioning as a model for developing family support and intervention plans.

CHFS 5330. Interpersonal Relationships. 3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab: 0 Hours).

A functional approach to the understanding of the interpersonal dynamics and choices in primary and secondary relationships such as those with friends, dating partners, and potential mates. The study will include a brief historical and cross-cultural perspective with emphasis on the roots of modern American customs and the rituals of dating and mate selection.

CHFS 5339. Language and Cognitive Development in Childhood. 3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab: 0 Hours).

Exploration of theories of language, literacy, and cognitive development in young children with implications for the acquisition of language, early literacy, and problem-solving concepts for all children. Explores ways that early childhood professionals and parents can enhance language, literacy, and cognitive skills and introduce appropriate, research-based approaches to early reading, writing, math, and science in diverse settings.

CHFS 5340. Advanced Child Life. 3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab: 0 Hours).

A review of the historical and theoretical perspectives on the development of the child life field and information on fundamental skills required to help children and families cope with the stress of the health care experience. This course is required for the Child Life Specialist Certification.

CHFS 5347. Child and Family Advocacy. 3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab: 0 Hours).

This course focuses on the knowledge, skills, and strategies necessary to understand the impact of social policies and institutional practices on the well being of children and families.

CHFS 5350. Advanced Methods of Family Life Education. 3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab: 0 Hours).

An understanding of the philosophies and principles of family life education, including knowledge of the family life certification process and content areas. This course will include a survey and critique of various existing family life education programs as well as the development, implementation, and evaluation of new evidence-based programs.

CHFS 5360. Research Methods in Human Sciences. 3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab: 0 Hours).

Course will provide an in-depth review of study design and data analysis methods. Both qualitative and quantitative approaches will be covered, and the publication and peer-review process will be discussed.

CHFS 5390. Capstone Project. 3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab: 0 Hours).

This course requires students to design and complete an independent project that addresses a practical, real world challenge by integrating the skills and knowledge students have gained throughout their program of study. Students will communicate the results of their project via a written report and an online presentation. The completed project will demonstrate critical thinking, research-based best practices, review of scholarly literature, and formal reporting consistent with APA style. Students will complete the master's required comprehensive exams during this course.