Teaching: Child and Family Studies
The teaching child and family studies at Keystone is an education degree for individuals interested in human development and working with children, adolescents, and families in a variety of settings. Students have many opportunities to engage in coursework and fieldwork in authentic environments and explore the complexity of human behavior in real-life settings. Providing students with a sound social sciences foundation, the theories and processes of lifespan development, and emphasizing the framework for the ways in which families and communities coalesce, this degree provides important links between human development and practice. A hallmark of the program is a semester-long agency-based field experience.
Classes are small and allow for varied opportunities to work with faculty. This is a non-certification program. The curriculum is organized to foster the development of skilled teachers who can utilize best practices for planning and preparing environments and instruction in early childhood and primary- grade settings. Graduates will be self-directed individuals who can communicate effectively, make informed decisions, think critically and creatively, and examine ethical issues in order to enhance educational excellence.

Real World Experiences
Classroom experiences give you school-based observation and participation each semester. There’s simply no better preparation for future teachers than real world experience. Observing how students react to different styles of instruction and learning how to adjust in response, will prepare you for a successful career in education.
- Field experiences begin the first semester
- Pre-student teaching placements
- 14 weeks of student teaching last semester
Minors
Develop an additional focus of study to help expand your resume by completing another minor.
Real World Experience
From internships and experiential learning opportunities to travel and conferences, you’ll have many opportunities to conduct real-world experiences, work with your peers and mentors in your chosen field, and learn first-hand the latest skills to succeed in the real world.
Study Abroad
Explore our study abroad programs and discover a world of opportunities that are sure to be the highlight of your college years.
Research
Working with a faculty mentor conducting research enriches the learning process and creates positive lifelong attributes.
Civic Engagement
Engage in civic-based projects and service-learning experiences and make a positive difference in the greater community.
Internships
Internships and field experiences give students the chance to learn through hands-on experiences beyond the classroom.
Faculty Profiles
Arcangelo, Karen, PhD, NCSP
Chair of the Education Department, Associate Professor and Program Director of Early Childhood Education/Special Education, and Faculty Coordinator of Adult and Online Learning
Consagra, Mariel H., MS
Instructor of Education
Kaskey, Jan, MS
Professor of Education
Prall, Jeanie, MS
Instructor and Program Director of Middle & Secondary Education and Accelerated Programs
Shanks-McElroy, Heather, PhD
Professor of Education, Program Director for ECE, Child and Family Studies and Graduate Program – ECE Leadership
Tharp, Maryellen, MS
Professor of Education