ÖSYM Program Code: 104351337Score Type: TYTDuration of Study: 2 YearsType of Education: Formal Education2026 Quota: 272026 Minimum Placement Score: 291.370052026 Maximum Placement Score: 307.77557
Childhood is an important period of life during which cognitive, language, social-emotional, motor and self-care skills develop rapidly. During this period, it is highly important to observe and assess children’s developmental characteristics accurately and to support their development through appropriate educational environments.
The Child Development Program is a two-year associate degree program consisting of four semesters. The program aims to enable students to recognize children’s developmental characteristics, prepare, implement and evaluate educational activities appropriate to their developmental levels, observe children’s development, develop educational materials, and communicate effectively with children, families and relevant institutions.
The curriculum includes courses in areas such as child development, early childhood education, special education, child health and nutrition, child psychology, children’s literature, play, drama, music, art, science and mathematics activities, material development, children’s rights, family education and professional practice. Practical activities that enable students to transfer theoretical knowledge into practice support the development of their professional knowledge and skills.
In addition to gaining professional knowledge, students are encouraged to develop an inclusive educational approach that respects individual differences, children’s rights and professional ethical principles.
The main aim of the Child Development Program is to train qualified professionals who can take part in children’s development, care and education processes.
The program aims to educate individuals who can apply their professional knowledge and skills in practice, are sensitive to children’s individual differences, adhere to children’s rights and professional ethical principles, adopt an inclusive approach to education, communicate effectively, use technology for professional purposes and continuously improve themselves in line with the principle of lifelong learning.
In order to integrate theoretical knowledge with practice, students participate in activities involving children, material development studies, institutional visits, social responsibility activities, as well as drama, music, art, play and various educational activities.
Graduates of the Child Development Program may work in various public institutions and private organizations providing developmental, care and educational services for children, in accordance with the recruitment requirements of the relevant institutions and the duties, authorities and responsibilities defined by current legislation.
Possible fields of employment include:
Nurseries and day-care centers,
Kindergartens and institutions providing preschool education services,
Special education and rehabilitation centers,
Children’s clubs and educational and activity centers for children,
Institutions affiliated with or supervised by the Ministry of Family and Social Services that provide services for children,
Municipal units providing services for children and families,
Private organizations operating in the field of child development and education,
Institutions and organizations carrying out social, cultural and educational projects for children.
The positions in which graduates may be employed in the public and private sectors may vary depending on current legislation, the recruitment requirements of institutions and any additional qualifications held by the graduate.
Various activities are carried out within the Child Development Program to support students’ academic, professional, social and cultural development.
These activities may include:
Drama and theatre activities,
Play and animation activities,
Music activities,
Art and material development activities,
Educational activities for children,
Children’s festivals,
Seminars, talks and conferences,
Institutional visits,
Professional practice,
Meetings with external stakeholders,
Social responsibility activities,
Activities related to children’s rights,
Activities related to special education and inclusive education,
Family education and community engagement activities.
Through these activities, students are expected to transfer the knowledge acquired in their courses into practice, improve their communication and teamwork skills, gain experience in working with children and become familiar with professional working environments.
Graduates who successfully complete the Child Development associate degree program may continue their education at the undergraduate level if they succeed in the Vertical Transfer Examination (DGS) administered by ÖSYM.
In accordance with the 2026 DGS regulations, graduates of the Child Development associate degree program may apply for vertical transfer to the following undergraduate programs:
Child Development
Preschool Education
Special Education Teaching
Health Management
Social Work
Since the undergraduate programs available for vertical transfer, quotas and application requirements may change from year to year, students are advised to follow the DGS Application and Preference Guidelines published by ÖSYM for the relevant year.
Graduates of the Child Development Program may find employment in various institutions and organizations providing developmental, care and educational services for children by using the theoretical and practical knowledge and skills they have acquired during their education.
In addition to entering professional life, graduates may continue their undergraduate education through the Vertical Transfer Examination and support their professional development through various education and certificate programs.
Our program supports students in preparing for professional life and further education through academic advising, professional practice, institutional visits, external stakeholder activities, social and cultural events, and career development activities.