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. 

Service Learning Courses

• ChAD 60 - Child Development

  • Students complete 20 hours of service work, with 200–400 participating each semester, and it is open to multiple community partners.

• ChAD 135 - Development of Language & Literacy in Children

  • Students complete 25 hours of service work.

• 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 Head Start.

• ChAD 157 - Program Management in Community Organizations

  • Students complete 15-20 hours of service work.

• ChAD 60 Child Development
  • Time Commitment: 20 hours
  • Student Participation: 200–400 students per semester
  • Partners: Open to multiple partners

• ChAD 135 Development of Language & Literacy in Children
  • Time Commitment: 15 hours
  • Student Participation:
  • Partners:

• ChAD 152 Foundations for Early Childhood Curriculum
  • Time Commitment: 15–20 hours
  • Student Participation: 90–120 students per semester
  • Partners: Head Start

• ChAD 157 Program Management in Community 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 Hassett, the ChAD Community Outreach Coordinator krissy.hassett@sjsu.edu 

• If you are an international student or undocumented student, you can still participated in service learning. Please contact your instructor or krissy.hassett@sjsu.edu for more information.

• Read the SJSU Center for Community Learning and Learship's SJS4 Placement instructions.

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 Hassett, the ChAD Community Outreach Coordinator at krissy.hassett@sjsu.edu.