Service Learning
Our Child and Adolescent Development (ChAD) academic programs provide a well-rounded curriculum that incorporates theory, research, policy and practice. In collaboration with our community partners, students gain hands on experience working with children, youth and families as well as with the organizations that serve them. These opportunities to see how their learning applies to real world settings is highly valued throughout the ChAD curriculum.
Current and Upcoming Courses
- ChAD 60 Child Development - 20 hours, open to multiple partners, about 200-400 students per semester
- ChAD 149 Child Health & Physical Activity - 10 hours, open to multiple partners, about 80 students per semester
- ChAD 152 Development of Communicative Competence - 15-20 hours in either Head Start, about 90-120 students per semester
- ChAD 151 Developing Literacy in a Diverse Society - 20 hours with Reading Partners, about 60 students per semester
- ChAD 157 Adult Supervision in Programs Serving Children, Youth and Families. This course will begin in Fall 2021 and we are looking for partners from community-based organizations!
ChAD Practica
Every ChAD senior also takes a practicum course in which they spend 5 hours per week in a professional setting:
- ChAD 158 Community-Based Organizations Serving Children and Youth
- ChAD 159 K-8 Public School Classrooms
- ChAD 160 ChAD Early Childhood Infant/Toddler and PreSchool Labs
Testimonials From Former ChAD Students
"The most important impact of my fieldwork was creating a mentor relationship with my mentee. I like being the person that someone looks up to for advice and as someone who is there for them."
"The most important impact my experience had on me was that I gained better social skills. I was able to apply and strengthen leadership skills. I also worked with a lot of different children, so I learned how to work better with them."
"It humbled me and helped me to realize that people come from many different backgrounds. It gave me more insight to different cultures and backgrounds."
"This experience made me take leadership and allowed me to work not only with children but with parents and staff which is something that I will be doing as a teacher."
Resources for Service Learning Students
- For students under 18: When you fill out SJS4, you will be prompted to download a parent permission form. Please have your parent sign this form and either return a paper copy or scanned picture of the form to your instructor or Krissy Connell, the ChAD Community Outreach Coordinator krissy.connell@sjsu.edu
- If you are an international student or undocumented student, you can still participated in service learning. Please contact your instructor or krissy.connell@sjsu.edu for more information.
Contact Us
- If you have questions about service-learning or SJS4, complete this ChAD Service-Learning Support Google form.
- If you are interested in partnering with ChAD, Contact Krissy Connell, the ChAD Community Outreach Coordinator at krissy.connell@sjsu.edu.
