CHILD DEVELOPMENT MAJOR
at Meredith College
Through the multidisciplinary child development major, you will be prepared for careers in early childhood settings and non-profit agencies serving young children and their families, as well as the pursuit of graduate and professional studies.
Our Bachelor’s in Childhood Development
In Meredith’s childhood development program, you gain a deep understanding of the impact a child’s ecological framework has on their development. You will learn more about the physical, social, emotional, linguistic, and intellectual growth of children.
Take a deep dive into the complex interrelationships among the child, the family, their diverse culture, and society at large, and use this knowledge to apply a developmental perspective to your work with children and families. You can combine the child development major with the licensure requirements for either Birth through Kindergarten or K-6 to become eligible to teach in the public school setting.
Multiple internship opportunities allow you to focus on unique and specific aspects of serving young children and their families. This in-depth experience will better prepare you for employment in your chosen career path or for continued education in graduate school.
Why Study Child Development at Meredith?
- Meredith’s extensive contacts in the Raleigh community allow students to choose from a variety of internship and career options in early education and community-based services.
- Faculty have a wide range of expertise in a variety of areas including early childhood education, child life and family centered care, early intervention, curriculum and instruction, research, professional writing, and community support.
- Students may work with faculty members through independent studies or community internships.
- Students receive individualized career guidance and on-site supervision by faculty
- Students are exposed to diverse field experiences in a variety of local programs that support young children and families.
- Child Development majors have the opportunity to participate in hands-on observation and work at the Ellen Brewer House (EBH), an infant/toddler education program serving children whose ages range from 6 weeks to 2 years.
- Students earning a degree in child development are eligible to seek North Carolina teacher licensure for birth through kindergarten (B-K) or elementary education (K-6).
- Student organizations include Meredith Advocates for Young Children (MAYC) and Meredith Alliance for Children in Healthcare Setting (MACHS).
- Scholarship opportunities for students majoring in child development include the Sue Ballard Scholarship, the Marilyn Stuber Scholarship, the Hull Scholarship, and the Dapore Scholarship.
Ellen Brewer House
The Ellen Brewer House is a five-star, on-campus childcare program serving children whose ages range from 6 weeks to 2 years. It has been cited statewide as an exemplary program and offers child development students the opportunity for hands-on learning. Learn more about the EBH.
Meredith Advocates for Young Children
Meredith Advocates for Young Children (MAYC) is an organization devoted to helping shape the development of young children. MAYC allows students to become involved in the community and develop a professional network.
Meredith Alliance for Children in Healthcare Settings (MACHS)
Careers in Child Development
A childhood development degree prepares students for a wide array of potential careers and graduate study. Potential career options include early education and child care programs, child life, early intervention, government agencies, and other agencies offering children’s programs and community non-profit organizations.
Professional positions held and graduate programs attended by recent graduates of Meredith’s child development program include
- Autism and Behavior Support Specialist
- Birth to Three Quality Enhancement Coach
- Camp & Youth Development Director
- Child Life Specialist/Child Life Assistant
- Cross Categorical Resource Preschool Teacher
- Early Intervention Service Coordinator
- Instructional Assistant
- Master’s degree in child development, human development and family studies, special education, speech and language pathology, occupational therapy, physical therapy, recreational therapy, and child life
- Parent Educator/Family Support Specialist
- Parent Engagement Coordinator
- Preschool Director/Assistant Director
- Quality Enhancement Coach for child care service initiatives
- Teacher in early education programs, non-profit programs, and public school Pre-K and K-6 classrooms
Emily Wilkinson, ’19, has always had a passion for children and individuals with special needs. Her Meredith experience has grown that passion and her own personal experiences have inspired her to become a special education teacher.
Turning her challenges into incentives for action and change, Madison Burton, ’18, has adapted to difficulties in her life in order to discover her calling.
Wings student Gemma Brodney was drawn to Meredith’s programs that prepare grads to work with children and families.
Meghan Brooks used her experience in the undergraduate research program to help land a job as a child life specialist.
Jessica Williford combined her interests in child development and music at Meredith
Yailyn Polanco stretched herself in five different internships.
The Power of Picture Books
In this episode of The Meredith Minute, Professor of Education Jennifer Olson discusses how picture books are used to convey complex concepts, tackle difficult subjects, or offer role models to readers of all ages.
Child Development News
Dr. Sheryl Long has been named the next dean of Meredith College’s School of Education, Health and Human Sciences (EHHS). Her appointment was announced by Senior Vice President and Provost Matthew Poslusny on May 9, 2023.
Two Meredith College faculty members have received a $350,000 multi-year grant from the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) to fund research examining the benefit of support systems on maternal mental health. Assistant Professor of Psychology Betty-Shannon Prevatt, Ph.D., and Assistant Professor of Child Development Pamela Norcross, Ph.D., are the co-primary investigators (PIs) on this project.
Assistant Professor in Child Development Pamela Linton Norcross, has had a manuscript accepted for publication in the Journal of Infant Behavior and Development, titled Effects of Maternal Depressive Symptoms on Sensitivity to Infant Distress and Non-Distress: Role of SES and Race.
Equity Statement: All students have the right to an equitable and inclusive learning environment, including fair treatment, acknowledged as individuals, while being encouraged to participate fully in their educational experiences. Thus, the Child Development program will create an environment of respect, tolerance, and understanding of others as unique individuals, through safe spaces within classrooms for discussion, listening, thinking, and learning about these differences. The Child Development program acknowledges that there are many different people, identities, experiences, and perspectives, and as a program, we will address biases and challenge policies and mindset that reinforce dominance or invisibility of others inside and outside of the classroom to help students reach their full potential as students, members of Meredith College community, and society.
Contact Information
Pamela Norcross
Associate Professor, Human & Environmental Sciences & Child Development Coordinator
216 Martin Hall
(919) 760-2357
plnorcross@meredith.edu
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School of Education Health & Human Sciences »
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