Child Development & Family Science
About Us
Program Highlights
- All students complete a multi-term practicum experience to gain skills working with children and families. Graduate students in the child life specialization compete a child life practicum at Seattle Children's Hospital.
- Students get to know each other and the CDFS faculty in small classes, built on collaboration and hands-on learning.
- Seniors and graduate students conduct original research that contributes to the field of child development and family science.
- Our child life program is endorsed by the Association of Child Life Professionals (ACLP) and our family science program is a Certified Family Life Educator (CFLE)-approved program by the National Council on Family Relations.
- Check out this example from Dr. Davi's class of the ways we integrate technology and hands-on practice into our courses.
For Program Information
Contact Dr. Amy Claridge.
Stay involved with Child Development and Family Science
Social Media
- Facebook @cwuchilddevelopmentandfamilyscience
- Instagram @cwu.cdfs
- Linkedin CWU Child Development and Family Science
CWU News
ROADS from Earth to Venus National Challenge celebrates student innovation
June 24, 2026 by Darci Snowden
Recent graduate keeping her options open as she enters the workforce
June 24, 2026 by David Leder
Questions? Contact Us.
Child Development and Family Science
Michaelsen 100