Disclaimer: Due to substantial changes in credential legislation and degree programs in the State of California, please check with an official Child, Adolescent, and Family Studies (CAFS) advisor for current information.
Program Description
The Bachelor of Arts degree in Child, Adolescent, and Family Studies (CAFS) at California State University, Bakersfield provides breadth and depth in the scientific study of child, adolescent, and adult developmental domains. The program focuses on the biological, cognitive, psychological, and sociological foundations of learning from early childhood development, through adolescent growth, and adult behavior. The program design is based on contemporary learning theories, application of ethics and values, research methods and diverse family systems/approaches, with practical applications in disciplines that require direct interaction with children and families.
Mission Statement
The Child, Adolescent, and Family Studies (CAFS) program offers learners specialized knowledge that enhances their skills and abilities to work and advocate in partnerships that foster healthy children, supportive family networks, and interactive community relationships. A social constructivist approach to learning is reinforced in the academic activities that result in superior educational preparation for teachers, parents, and community professionals. The mission of the program is to develop well prepared, highly skilled individuals who can envision, interact, and respond to the needs of diverse populations within the local, regional, national, and global community.
The Department of Child, Adolescent, and Family Studies offers an Integrated Teacher Education Program (ITEP) with a Special Education teaching credential preparation in 4 years. Students in the 4-year ITEP are expected to complete their Baccalaureate degree as well as obtain a Mild/Moderate (M/M) or Moderate/Severe (M/S) preliminary preparation credential. Candidates will begin their study of the classroom in their first year and continue to develop their expertise as a teacher through multiple field experiences while completing a BA degree. Candidates will complete a final student teaching requirement during their last semester of their 4-year program. Students are expected to maintain a grade of “C-” or higher in all CAFS courses to count towards graduation.
Course List
Code |
Title |
Units |
| 2 |
| 9 |
| 9 |
| 6 |
| 3 |
| 3 |
| 3 |
| 6 |
1 | 0 |
| 3 |
| 6 |
2 | 0 |
CAFS 1100 | Introduction to Child, Adolescent & Family Studies | 3 |
CAFS 2000 | Fundamentals in Developmental Theory | 3 |
CAFS 2080 | Child, Family, and Community | 3 |
CAFS 2500 | Child Health, Safety, and Nutrition | 3 |
CAFS 3110 | Infant and Toddler Development | 3 |
CAFS 3140 | School Aged and Adolescent | 3 |
CAFS 4000 | Introduction to Research Methods | 3 |
CAFS 4100 | Research, Assessment and Evaluation of Children and Families | 3 |
CAFS 4908 | Senior Seminar and Capstone | 3 |
EDSP 3268 | People with Disabilities and American Education | 3 |
EDSP 4100 | Teaching Linguistically and Culturally Diverse students in SPED | 3 |
EDSP 4270 | Establishing Foundations of Special Education | 3 |
EDSP 4800 | Early Field Experience in Diverse Classrooms | 3 |
EDSP 5610 | Characteristics and Needs of Students with Mild to Extensive Support Needs | 3 |
EDSP 5620 | Collaboration and Transition in Special Education | 3 |
EDSP 5630 | Assessment of Students with Mild to Extensive Support Needs | 3 |
EDSP 5640 | Classroom Management and Positive Behavior Support | 3 |
EDSP 5910 | CalTPA Cycle 1: Learning About Students and Planning Instruction | 2 |
EDSP 5920 | CalTPA Cycle 2: Learning About Students and Planning Instruction | 2 |
EDEL 5100 | Literacy Arts for Diverse Learners | 4 |
EDEL 5200 | Math Methods and Assessment | 4 |
EDSP 5820 | Final Clinical Practice for Mild/Moderate Support Needs | 9 |
or EDSP 5830 | Final Clinical Practice for Extensive Support Needs |
EDSP 5650 | Curriculum and Instruction for Students with Mild/Moderate Support Needs | 3 |
or EDSP 5660 | Curriculum and Instruction for Students with Extensive Support Needs |
EDSP 5800 | Clinical Practice I | 3 |
EDSP 5810 | Clinical Practice II | 3 |
Total Units | 131 |
Note: For each year, the following tests are recommended for completion:
- Year 1 FL Prerequisite completed and Completion of CBEST
- Year 2 Completion of CSET
- Year 3 Completion of GWAR
- Year 4 Completion of RICA and Completion of CPR/FA
Students who are interested in teaching young children with disabilities (0-5 years) can earn an Early Childhood Special Education (ECSE) Added Authorization1 with the completion of the following four courses. Each course is 3 units. The completion of all four courses (12 units) is required for the ECSE Added Authorization:
Course List
Code |
Title |
Units |
EDSP 5510 | | 3 |
EDSP 5520 | | 3 |
EDSP 5530 | | 3 |
EDSP 5540 | | 3 |
Total Units | 12 |
Before applying for a preliminary credential, students must:
- Pass RICA (Reading Instruction Competence Assessment)
- Complete a U.S. Constitution course or examination
- Pass a course in Health Education
- Hold a CPR certificate (Infant, Child, Adult)
Note: CTCC requirements may change, and therefore these courses may be altered to align with state regulations.
Candidates also have the option to be in the 4-year 1 semester program to complete a Mild/Moderate or Moderate/Severe credential and an ECSE Added Authorization.
Note: Students need to meet the Subject matter competency requirement before enrolling in a final student teaching course.