About Us

The Department of Child Development offers a comprehensive educational program aimed at equipping students with the skills to assess, support, and guide the physical, mental, social, and emotional development of children from birth to 18 years of age. This program is designed to promote a healthy developmental process across all areas of a child’s growth, employing an approach that considers individual needs, family structures, social environments, and societal dynamics. Graduates of the Department of Child Development earn the title of child development specialist and are qualified to work as licensed healthcare professionals.​

Education and Competencies Acquired in the Department of Child Development:

  1. Developmental Screening and Assessment: Individuals receiving education in child development acquire the skills to systematically observe and assess the developmental processes of children. Within this scope, they gain expertise in developmental screening tests, measurement tools, and diagnostic methods.
  2. Designing Intervention Programs: By preparing tailored intervention programs based on the specific needs of children, students develop the ability to design and implement individual or group activities that support children's development.
  3. Family Education and Guidance: Child development specialists provide families with information on child development, enabling parents to contribute consciously to their children's growth. They also conduct activities to strengthen family communication and offer training programs focused on child development.
  4. Interdisciplinary Collaboration: The Department of Child Development equips individuals with knowledge from various fields such as psychology, sociology, pediatrics, education, and social services, fostering the ability to work interdisciplinarily. This enables child development specialists to actively contribute as integral members of a professional team.

Fields of Work:

Graduates of child development can work in any environment where children are present and in various institutions. Their fields of work include:

  • Hospitals and Healthcare Institutions: They can work as child development specialists in child health centers, organizing programs to meet the developmental needs of children related to health.
  • Special Education Centers and Rehabilitation Institutions: They work with children with special needs, supporting them in achieving developmental goals.
  • Educational Institutions: They can conduct developmental assessments in kindergartens, daycare centers, primary schools, and educational centers for children, contributing to educational planning.
  • Family Health Centers: Child development specialists can provide guidance and developmental support to children and families in centers that promote community health.
  • Social Service Institutions: They contribute to the social adaptation processes of children in child protection institutions and community centers.

Contributions of Child Development Specialists to Society:

Child development specialists play a significant role in society by contributing to the upbringing of healthy generations. These experts not only support the physical and mental well-being of children but also contribute to the development and welfare of society. They work to raise awareness and provide guidance on issues such as children's rights, protection against child abuse and neglect, and early childhood education. For this reason, the Department of Child Development offers a comprehensive education focused on both individual growth and social responsibility, providing its graduates with diverse career opportunities.