Child Development

Child development entails the biological, psychological and emotional changes that occur in human beings between birth and the conclusion of adolescence, as the individual progresses from dependency to increasing autonomy. It is a continuous process with a predictable sequence, yet having a unique course for every child. It does not progress at the same rate and each stage is affected by the preceding developmental experiences. Because these developmental changes may be strongly influenced by genetic factors and events during prenatal life, genetics and prenatal development are usually included as part of the study of child development. Related terms include developmental psychology, referring to development throughout the lifespan, and pediatrics, the branch of medicine relating to the care of children. Developmental change may occur as a result of genetically-controlled processes known as maturation, or as a result of environmental factors and learning, but most commonly involves an interaction between the two. It may also occur as a result of human nature and our ability to learn from our environment.

There are various definitions of periods in a child's development, since each period is a continuum with individual differences regarding start and ending. Some age-related development periods and examples of defined intervals are: newborn (ages 0–4 weeks); infant (ages 4 weeks – 1 year); toddler (ages 1–3 years); preschooler (ages 4–6 years); school-aged child (ages 6–11 years); adolescent (ages 12–19).

Promoting child development through parental training, among other factors, promotes excellent rates of child development. Parents play a large role in a child's life, socialization, and development. Having multiple parents can add stability to the child's life and therefore encourage healthy development. Another influential factor in a child's development is the quality of their care. Child care programs present a critical opportunity for the promotion of child development.

The optimal development of children is considered vital to society and so it is important to understand the social, cognitive, emotional, and educational development of children. Increased research and interest in this field has resulted in new theories and strategies, with specific regard to practice that promotes development within the school system. There are also some theories that seek to describe a sequence of states that compose child development.

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Matching Child Development Colleges

Fresno Pacific University

Four or more years; Private not for profit; $32,954 average out-state tuition; $32,954 average in-state tuition

Texas Woman's University

Four or more years; Public; $15,408 average out-state tuition; $5,616 average in-state tuition

Ashford University

Four or more years; Private for profit; $13,280 average out-state tuition; $13,280 average in-state tuition

Central Michigan University

Four or more years; Public; $12,644 average out-state tuition; $12,644 average in-state tuition

Point Loma Nazarene University

Four or more years; Private not for profit; $38,800 average out-state tuition; $38,800 average in-state tuition

Tulsa Community College

At least 2 but less than 4 years; Public; $8,101 average out-state tuition; $2,701 average in-state tuition

Post University

Four or more years; Private for profit; $15,258 average out-state tuition; $15,258 average in-state tuition

Scholarships for Child Development Majors

Bullet name award deadline Link
 

Mat-Su Health Foundation Vocational Scholarship

Mat-Su Health Foundation

Up to $5,000 Varies See Details
 

Mat-Su Health Foundation Vocational Scholarship

Mat-Su Health Foundation

award

Up to $5,000

deadline

Varies
See Details
 

Legacy Scholars Award - College of Ed and Human Dev - UM, Twin Cities

University of Minnesota, Twin Cities

$5,000 Varies See Details
 

Legacy Scholars Award - College of Ed and Human Dev - UM, Twin Cities

University of Minnesota, Twin Cities

award

$5,000

deadline

Varies
See Details
 

Betty Gray Early Development Childhood Scholarship

Linn-Benton Community College

Up to $4,000 April 19, 2024 See Details
 

Betty Gray Early Development Childhood Scholarship

Linn-Benton Community College

award

Up to $4,000

deadline

April 19, 2024
See Details
 

WGU Sentara Scholarship

Western Governors University

Up to $4,000 June 30, 2024 See Details
 

WGU Sentara Scholarship

Western Governors University

award

Up to $4,000

deadline

June 30, 2024
See Details
 

WGU Health and Human Services Scholarship

Western Governors University

Up to $3,000 June 30, 2024 See Details
 

WGU Health and Human Services Scholarship

Western Governors University

award

Up to $3,000

deadline

June 30, 2024
See Details
 

Fred Rogers Scholarship

Saint Vincent College

$2,500 Varies See Details
 

Fred Rogers Scholarship

Saint Vincent College

award

$2,500

deadline

Varies
See Details
 

Early Childhood Educators Scholarship Program

Massachusetts Department of Higher Education

Up to $4,500 Varies See Details
 

Early Childhood Educators Scholarship Program

Massachusetts Department of Higher Education

award

Up to $4,500

deadline

Varies
See Details
 

Rev. Zanos Gougoutas, Christopher, and Drs. George and Bess Kypros Family Scholarship

Madonna University

$1,625 Varies See Details
 

Rev. Zanos Gougoutas, Christopher, and Drs. George and Bess Kypros Family Scholarship

Madonna University

award

$1,625

deadline

Varies
See Details
 

Heart of IL Assoc. for the Education of Young Children Scholarship

Illinois Central College

Up to $1,500 September 30, 2024 See Details
 

Heart of IL Assoc. for the Education of Young Children Scholarship

Illinois Central College

award

Up to $1,500

deadline

September 30, 2024
See Details
 

Citigroup Early Childhood Scholarship - Park University

Park University

$1,300 June 30, 2024 See Details
 

Citigroup Early Childhood Scholarship - Park University

Park University

award

$1,300

deadline

June 30, 2024
See Details