We Are Training New Professionals to Serve Children, Families, and Society
What is Child Development Program?
The Child Development Program is an associate degree program established to meet the need for education and counseling to ensure that children can live in a healthy environment. The purpose of the program is to train qualified professionals who serve children, families, and society across all relevant units through an educational curriculum that supports the development of children aged 0 to 18 with typical development or special needs.
The program aims to train professionals who can identify and effectively utilize the methods, technical services, and technologies required for applications in their field; generate solutions to unforeseen problems encountered in practice; take responsibility in working groups; possess the ability to work independently; communicate effectively; and demonstrate tolerance, patience, and a level of foreign language proficiency sufficient to follow innovations in their field. Through the education provided, individuals are equipped with knowledge, skills, competence, and awareness regarding safety, health, and environmental protection measures, while possessing universal and cultural values, professional ethical competence, and awareness. Furthermore, they follow sectoral developments in science and technology with a mindset of lifelong learning in both personal and professional domains, continuously renewing and improving themselves.
What are the Courses Taken in the Child Development Program?
The education and training period of the Child Development Program is 2 years. Throughout the study period, courses are offered in the development of children with typical and atypical development, child nutrition, child health and diseases, learning and teaching techniques, play, drama, behavior management, first aid, child psychology and mental health, children and communication, art and creativity, child literature and media, family education, positive psychology, and communication skills. Vocational courses are supported in the second year by practical applications in private and official institutions affiliated with the Ministry of National Education.
The Child Development Program is among the programs where a Double Major Program (ÇAP) can be pursued:
- Child Protection and Care Services
- Social Services
- Disabled Care and Rehabilitation
Child Development Program Graduates Can Transfer to a Bachelor's Degree Program via the Vertical Transfer Examination (DGS)
Graduates of the Child Development Program may, in accordance with the provisions of the Regulation on the Continuation of Undergraduate Education for Vocational School and Open Education Associate Degree Graduates, gain admission to bachelor's degree programs through the Vertical Transfer Examination (DGS), provided that quotas are available in their field.
Graduates of the Child Development Program may transfer to the following bachelor's degree programs through the Vertical Transfer Examination (DGS):
- Preschool Education
- Special Education Teaching
- Child Development
- Social Work
- Health Management
What Are the Employment Opportunities for Child Development Program Graduates?
Graduates may work in:
- Preschool education centers and kindergarten classrooms of public and private schools affiliated with the Ministry of National Education.
- Daycare centers, children's homes, and nurseries affiliated with the Ministry of Family and Social Services.
- Special education and rehabilitation centers.
- Children's clinic playrooms in hospitals.
