Child Development

General Information

The Child Development Program is dedicated to educating professionals capable of evaluating and supporting the mental, linguistic, motor, social, and emotional development of children. Our program trains experts who not only understand the needs of typically developing children, but also those of children requiring special support—including children in need of protection, hospitalized children, immigrant children, and child laborers.

As part of the national educational reform aiming to achieve 100% enrollment in preschool education, the demand for well-qualified teacher assistants and child development professionals continues to rise. In response to this need, our program emphasizes the importance of continuous personal and professional development. Students are equipped with comprehensive knowledge across all subfields of child development and are trained to serve children, families, and institutions with competence and compassion.

Mission

Our mission is to educate child development professionals who are ethically grounded, scientifically informed, and dedicated to enhancing the well-being and potential of every child. We aim to prepare our students to work collaboratively with families, institutions, and communities to support inclusive and developmentally appropriate practices.

Vision

Our vision is to become a leading academic program recognized for excellence in child development education, research, and community service—fostering a society where every child thrives in a nurturing and supportive environment.

Educational Opportunities

The Child Development Program offers a dynamic and rigorous two-year associate degree curriculum, supported by a highly qualified academic staff. Our students are trained to:

• Design and implement developmentally appropriate activities tailored to each child’s unique needs.
• Communicate effectively with children, families, and professional stakeholders.
• Utilize technology and educational tools efficiently within their field.
• Apply evidence-based strategies, methods, and techniques grounded in current child development theory.

Educational experiences are enriched through hands-on learning, including clinical practice and applied courses conducted under the standards and guidelines of the Higher Education Council (YÖK). Students benefit from real-world training that bridges academic knowledge with professional expertise

Career Opportunities

Graduates of the Child Development Program are awarded an Associate Degree and earn the title of “Child Development Professional.” They are qualified to work in a range of institutions, including:

• Public and private preschool education centers under the Ministry of National Education
• Child health clinics under the Ministry of Health
• Social service institutions under the Ministry of Family and Social Services

Given the increasing focus on early childhood education, employment prospects for graduates are highly promising. Furthermore, students who meet the requirements of the Vertical Transfer Exam (DGS) administered by ÖSYM can pursue a bachelor’s degree in child development. This pathway also opens the door to further academic advancement through master’s and doctoral studies.