Service Learning
Our Child and Adolescent Development (ChAD) programs offer a well-rounded curriculum that integrates theory, research, policy, and practice. Through partnerships with community organizations, students gain meaningful hands-on experience working with children, youth, families, and the programs that support them. These opportunities allow students to see how their classroom learning connects to real-world settings, which is an experience that is highly valued across the ChAD curriculum.
Service Learning Courses
ChAD 60 - Child Development
Students complete 20 hours of service work, with about 100 participating each semester, and it is open to multiple community partners.
ChAD 135 - Development of Language & Literacy in Children
Students complete 20 hours of service work, during which they have the opportunity to tutor young children in essential reading and phonics skills.
ChAD 152 - Foundations for Early Childhood Curriculum
Students complete 15–20 huors of service work, with 90–120 participating each semester, and they work at the Associated Students Child Development Center (ASCDC).
ChAD 157 - Program Management in Community Organizations
Students complete 15-20 hours of service work.
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 to your instructor or Krissy Hassett, the ChAD Community Outreach Coordinator. at krissy.hassett@sjsu.edu
For international student or undocumented students
You can still participated in service learning. Please contact your instructor or Krissy Hassett at krissy.hassett@sjsu.edu for more information.
Be sure to read the 91ÁÔÆæ Center for Community Learning and Learship's SJS4 Placement instructions.
Contact Us
If you have questions about service-learning or SJS4 form, please complete this .
If you are interested in partnering with ChAD, contact Krissy Hassett, the ChAD Community Outreach Coordinator, at krissy.hassett@sjsu.edu.
