The Child Development Program is a two-year associate degree program that aims to train individuals who can recognize and implement various national and international educational programs, possess contemporary knowledge regarding the education of preschool children in both normal and special needs groups, provide music, art, drama, gymnastics, and computer activities to children receiving treatment in playrooms of child clinics, ensure that children spend quality time, prepare educational materials (such as puppets, concept cards, thematic cards, and story writing), apply first-aid rules, and have the necessary knowledge and skills in addition to strong observational abilities, creativity, and critical-thinking skills.
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Establishment of the Department
Based on the proposal of the Dicle University Rectorate dated 19.03.2007 and numbered 3451, and the decision taken at the Higher Education Council General Assembly Meeting on 11.05.2007, it was decided to open the following three programs within the School as evening education:
1. Department of Economics and Administrative Programs – Accounting Program
2. Department of Technical Programs – Computer Programming
3. Department of Health Programs – Child Development
With the establishment of Şırnak University in 2008, the unit was separated from Dicle University and incorporated into Şırnak University.
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Education and Training
Starting from the fall semester of the 2007–2008 academic year, education began as three programs in the Cizre Multi-Program High School building, and in 2008, the program moved to its new building.
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Program Purpose
The main purpose of the Child Development Program is to train personnel who understand the importance of child development and education, recognize the developmental characteristics, habits, and needs of children and adolescents aged 0–18, and are able to take preventive measures regarding the problems children may encounter.
Additionally, the program aims to train technical staff who can identify children needing special education, prepare appropriate learning environments for them, and are knowledgeable about maternal health.
Other objectives include training qualified personnel who:
• have knowledge about symptoms of common diseases in the 0–18 age group,
• know protective measures and care techniques,
• possess basic first-aid knowledge and skills,
• can prepare educational toys appropriate for children’s developmental levels and technological advances,
• can maintain and repair tools, machines, and materials used in the field,
• can prepare daily menus and meals in accordance with nutritional principles.
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Qualification Requirements
Students who successfully complete 120 ECTS credits over 2 years and 4 semesters and meet the program qualifications receive an associate degree in Child Development.
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Program Profile
The fundamental purpose of the Child Development Program is to provide education aligned with lifelong learning principles, modern teaching methods, and the requirements of the information age and professional life, aiming to equip students with essential life skills.
In this direction, the program strives to raise individuals who use their competencies effectively, conduct research, contribute to the development of their profession and country, follow advancements in their field, continuously renew themselves, and possess original, solution-oriented thinking skills.
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Program Outcomes
• To fulfill the professional requirements of the child development and education field.
• To ensure children use the Turkish language correctly and effectively.
• To design activities appropriate for children’s cognitive, affective, and psychomotor development.
• To understand the relationship between society, family, and child.
• To communicate effectively with children.
• To plan and implement drama, play, and music activities.
• To monitor children’s nutritional habits.
• To plan and implement activities for children with disabilities.
• To plan and implement activities within the daily educational flow.
• To use, prepare, maintain, and repair tools, materials, and documents in the working environment.
• To have knowledge and skills regarding family education.
• To have knowledge and skills regarding child health and diseases.
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Employment Profiles of Graduates
Graduates of the Child Development Associate Degree Program can work as:
• Assistant teachers in private nurseries and kindergartens,
• Assistant teachers in special education and rehabilitation centers,
• Master instructors in public kindergartens and preschool classrooms affiliated with the Ministry of National Education,
• Parent educators in private research and consultancy companies,
• Staff in Mother and Child Health Centers,
• Caregivers in healthcare institutions and Social Services Child Protection Agency facilities,
• Designers in children’s publishing and toy sectors,
• Childcare personnel for the children of working parents