Frequently Asked Questions

Who is a Child Developmentalist?

A Child Development Specialist is a professional who graduates from faculties and schools that offer education in the field of child development. They ensure that children live in a healthy environment and improve their quality of life. From birth to the end of adolescence, they evaluate children's developmental stages in mental, language, motor, self-care, social, and emotional development areas. They play a role in child health monitoring and offer supportive developmental programs to children, families, professionals, and the community. They work in the fields of health, education, and social services.

What are the Duties, Authorities, and Responsibilities of a Child Developmentalist?

• They inform and support the family regarding the child's development starting from pregnancy.
• During pregnancy, they initiate meetings either directed by a physician or upon the family's request.
• They adjust the frequency of meetings based on the needs of the expectant mother and the family.
• The content of the meetings focuses primarily on the healthy communication and bonding between the expectant mother and the baby, the adaptation of family members to life with the baby, and preparing siblings for the baby's birth if applicable.
• The aim of the meetings is to prepare the mother for a healthy pregnancy and the newborn period in terms of the baby's development.
• From birth to the end of adolescence, they evaluate children's mental, language, motor, self-care, social, and emotional development areas according to their field.
• They see children from newborns to 18-year-olds at the request of a physician or family.
• They use developmental/psychometric tests to evaluate cognitive, language, motor, behavioral, social, and emotional areas.
• They conduct clinical interviews with families.
• They present the results of the interviews in report form to the necessary boards and committees.

Where do Graduates Work?

Our graduates can work in the Ministry of Justice Central Organization, Child Education Homes, Women's Prisons, the Ministry of Family and Social Services Central Organizations, Family, Labor and Social Services Expertise, Social Service Centers, ASDEB, Family and Social Support Personnel, Private Care Centers, Hope Homes, Rehabilitation and Family Counseling Centers, the Ministry of Interior General Directorate of Security, the Ministry of National Education Central Organization, public and private institutions, preschools, vocational high schools, private education institutions, special education and rehabilitation centers, the Radio and Television Supreme Council, the Ministry of Health Central Organization, public and private hospitals, Healthy Life Centers, non-governmental organizations, the Turkish Red Crescent, international organizations like UNICEF, and local governments. Additionally, they can take on new roles related to children and families in response to the changing needs of society and the world.

Why Should I Study Child Development?

The need for the field of child development and child development specialists is increasing due to the evolving and changing conditions of the world and society. Child development specialists are needed in all areas where children are present. By working in any area involving children, there is an opportunity to provide high-quality services to both children and society, considering their best interests.

What is the Language of Instruction in Your Department?

The language of instruction in our department is Turkish.

What is the Duration of Study in Your Department?

Since the Child Development Department is an undergraduate program, it lasts four years.

Is it Possible to do a Double Major or a Minor?

It is possible to do a double major  and a minor within the scope of the "Regulation on Transfers Between Associate Degree and Bachelor's Degree Programs, Double Major, Minor, and Credit Transfer Between Institutions in Higher Education Institutions," the "Atılım University Minor Program Directive," and the "Atılım University Double Major Program Directive."

What Distinguishes Your Department from Other Universities' Child Development Departments?

Our department is the first Child Development Department within a foundation university in Ankara. The aim is to educate Child Development Specialists with the contemporary, egalitarian, and scientific perspective of Atılım University, and to contribute them to the field and the world. The principle of closely following scientific, social, and societal changes and developments continues to be a priority. The department has a vision of being innovative and research-oriented. Our curriculum is in line with the Council of Higher Education Child Development Undergraduate Education Core Training Program. All courses in the curriculum are taught by experienced and competent faculty members and lecturers who are experts in their fields. All faculty members in the department have undergraduate, master's, and doctoral degrees in the field of Child Development. They have long-standing field and academic experience. Faculty members are actively involved in international projects and collaborate internationally. Despite being a newly established department, various scientific and social activities have been conducted and continue to be conducted within the department. The Child Development Department offers students opportunities for academic, social, and current field contributions.

What are the Internship Opportunities in Your Department?

Our students are required to conduct internships/observations/practices with children aged 0-18 as part of the courses in our curriculum.

Is There an Erasmus+ Opportunity?

As the Child Development Department, we offer Erasmus+ study and internship exchange opportunities to our students.

Can I Open My Own Business/Institution After Graduating?

Depending on your field of work and competencies, you can open your own business/institution within the framework of regulations.