Human Development & Family Sciences Experiential Learning
Learning by Doing. Leading with Purpose.
The most meaningful learning happens when you put knowledge into practice. Through internships, field experiences, community partnerships, and hands-on learning opportunities, you'll gain real-world experience working with children, families, and communities while building the skills employers and graduate programs value.
Experiential learning opportunities help you:
- Apply classroom concepts in professional settings
- Build your resume before graduation
- Develop valuable industry connections
- Explore career paths and professional interests
- Gain confidence through hands-on experience
University School for Young Children
The University School for Young Children provides opportunities to gain practical experience working directly with preschool-aged children in a supportive learning environment. By applying developmental theory in real-world settings, you'll strengthen your skills, build confidence, and prepare for careers in child development, early childhood education, and family-focused professions.
The EDvolution® Center
Gain hands-on experience with emerging technologies that are shaping the future of education and human services. Through the EDvolution® Center, you'll explore innovative tools, apply technology in real-world learning environments, and develop skills that help you stay ahead in a rapidly evolving profession.
Internship Opportunites
Turn classroom knowledge into real-world experience through internships with organizations serving children, families, and communities across the region. These experiences help you build your resume, expand your professional network, and develop the practical skills employers and graduate schools value.
Gain experience in behavioral health services while working alongside professionals who support individuals and families across southeast Missouri. Opportunities can help prepare you for careers and graduate study in counseling, behavioral health, and human services.
As an Administrative Agent for the Missouri Department of Mental Health (DMH), Community Counseling Center (CCC) is entrusted to provide a full array of comprehensive behavioral health services within five southeastern Missouri counties:
- Bollinger
- Cape Girardeau
- Madison
- Perry
- Ste. Genevieve
Learn about substance use recovery, community support services, and client advocacy while gaining exposure to a growing area of behavioral health. This experience can provide valuable insight for careers focused on:
- mental health
- family support
- community wellness
The Gibson Recovery Center is a non-profit corporation formed for the purpose of creating and operating needed substance use services. It operates under the statutes and regulations of the State of Missouri.
Develop skills in:
- advocacy
- case management
- community outreach
- communication
The Safe House for Women is a not-for-profit, private 501(c)(3) domestic violence agency that provides safe shelter, 24-hour crisis hot line services, intensive case management, counseling, court advocacy, referral services, and education programs. The Safe House was established in 1991, providing safe shelter and a crisis hot line as a source of immediate help for victims of domestic violence and abuse.
Explore opportunities to work with older adults and families in healthcare and rehabilitation settings. Experiences in long-term care environments help build:
- communication
- relationship-building
- support skills
The Life Care Center of Cape Girardeau, is a skilled nursing and short-term rehabilitation center built in February 2014.
Work directly with children, youth, families, and educators while gaining experience in educational settings. These opportunities provide valuable preparation for careers in:
- child development
- youth programming
- family support services
- education-related fields
Lindsay Ludwinski
The child development degree has a lot of lab classes built in so you're able to get experience and a better understand the concepts you are learning. After learning the material, you might learn how to build an activity around it! And then you actually get to implement the activity! The feedback from experienced teachers is so valuable in this process.
Take the Next Step
Contact Us
Phone
Location
Office
Scully Building 114
Mailing Address
One University Plaza, MS 5750
Cape Girardeau, MO 63701
Cape Girardeau, MO 63701