The Child Development Program offers a two-year associate’s degree program through full-time, in-person instruction. The program aims to equip students with the ability to holistically assess children’s cognitive, language, social-emotional, motor, and self-care development. Emphasis is placed on helping students develop the skills to plan, implement, and evaluate educational activities appropriate to children’s developmental characteristics.
The curriculum includes courses in child development, early childhood education, special education, child health and nutrition, child psychology, children’s literature, play, drama, music, art, science and math activities, material design, children’s rights, family education, and professional practice. Students gain professional experience through courses that support the application of theoretical knowledge and through institutional practicums.
Our department is committed to producing graduates who respect children’s rights, adhere to professional ethical principles, embrace an inclusive approach to education, communicate effectively, utilize technology, and continue their professional development.
GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS
To earn an associate’s degree in the Child Development Program, students must successfully complete all required and elective courses totaling 120 ECTS credits as specified in the program’s curriculum.
Students must meet the academic performance requirements for graduation, fulfill their obligations regarding the educational, instructional, and practical components of the program, and maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 60 out of 100.
Course attendance, exams, performance evaluations, practical training, and other graduation procedures are conducted in accordance with the Tokat Gaziosmanpaşa University Associate’s and Bachelor’s Degree Education, Teaching, and Examination Regulations and other relevant legislation.
FIELDS OF EMPLOYMENT
Graduates of the Child Development Program can work in public institutions and private organizations that provide child development, care, and education services, in accordance with the duties, authorities, and responsibilities outlined in relevant legislation and the employment conditions of these institutions.
The main fields in which graduates can work are as follows:
- Nurseries and daycare centers
- Kindergartens and preschool education institutions
- Special education and rehabilitation centers
- Educational settings where inclusion and integration practices are implemented
- Children’s clubs and children’s activity centers
- Units within social service organizations that serve children
- Municipal departments providing services to children and families
- Educational and support units for children within healthcare institutions
- Children’s, family, and education projects run by civil society organizations
- Art, drama, play, and educational workshops for children
- In-home child care services
Graduates may work in these institutions on tasks such as preparing and implementing activities that support children’s development, developing educational materials, organizing educational environments, observing children, and supporting outreach efforts for families.
Appointments to public institutions are subject to relevant legislation, staffing requirements, job titles, and examination conditions. Positions and job titles in private organizations may vary depending on the nature of the organization and applicable regulations.
VERTICAL TRANSFER OPTIONS
Graduates of the Child Development Program can transfer to relevant bachelor’s degree programs by taking the Vertical Transfer Exam administered by the Center for Measurement, Selection, and Placement.
According to the 2026-DGS Application Guide, the bachelor’s degree programs available to graduates of the Child Development associate’s degree program are as follows:
- Child Development – Equal Weighting
- Early Childhood Education – Verbal
- Special Education – Verbal
- Health Administration – Balanced Weighting
- Social Work – Balanced Weighting
The bachelor’s degree programs available for vertical transfer, along with enrollment quotas and application requirements, may vary by year. Students must refer to the relevant year’s ÖSYM DGS Application and Preference Guide for up-to-date information.
EVENTS
Various events are organized within the Child Development Program to support students’ academic, professional, social, and cultural development.
Activities carried out within the scope of the program include the following:
- Orientation and student adaptation activities
- Children’s festivals
- Drama, theater, music, and animation performances
- Art and material design exhibitions
- Seminars, conferences, and panel discussions
- Professional internships and institutional visits
- Meetings with external stakeholders
- Social responsibility projects
- Children’s rights and child protection initiatives
- Activities focused on special education and inclusive education
- Family education and community engagement initiatives
The activities aim to help students apply the knowledge they gain in class, develop teamwork and communication skills, foster a sense of social responsibility, and gain a close understanding of their professional fields.
Up-to-date events, news, and announcements are published on the department’s website.