Child care is one of the fundamental indicators of a society’s progress and development. Proper child upbringing is essential for shaping a responsible generation, which, in turn, contributes to building an advanced and prosperous society. As children represent the cornerstone of any nation's future, their development requires a holistic approach that addresses their biological, psychological, and social needs.

Recognizing the significance of this field, the Faculty of Social and Family Development at Al-Quds Open University has designed a Master’s program in Child Care and Development. This program aims to equip professionals with the necessary knowledge and skills to support children's growth across all developmental stages.

The early years of a child’s life are the most critical, shaping personality, emotional responses, and social interactions while instilling cultural values and traditions. QOU acknowledges the growing demand for specialized professionals in child care, especially with the expansion of child welfare institutions and the increasing role of governmental and non-governmental organizations in child protection, which requires many specialists and consultants in this field.

The Master’s Program in Child Care and Development aims to prepare highly qualified professionals with the scientific knowledge and practical skills needed to support children’s holistic development, particularly during early childhood. The program integrates theoretical and applied aspects in education, psychology, health, and nutrition, while focusing on the latest research in child development. This program is designed to equip social institutions working in child welfare with professionals who possess modern expertise to address children's needs across all age groups. Graduates will develop essential skills in fostering children’s social, educational, and behavioral growth, helping them achieve better social adaptation. Additionally, they will be trained to address challenges faced by children within families and social institutions, including the psychological and social effects of the Israeli occupation on Palestinian children.

The Master’s Program in Child Care and Development offers a unique opportunity for individuals passionate about shaping the future of early childhood development. By combining academic knowledge with practical application, the program ensures that graduates can create safe, nurturing, and stimulating environments for children. Moreover, it fosters a strong research culture and promotes collaboration with various stakeholders to uphold the highest standards of quality and excellence.

The Master's Program in Child Care and Development in Palestine aims to Improve quality of child care services in Palestine through advanced knowledge and applied skills.

1. Develop Scientific Knowledge: Enhance understanding of child development across physical, emotional, social, and cognitive domains
2. Build Practical Skills: Equip students with the ability to plan, implement, and evaluate educational and developmental programs for children.
3. Promote Scientific Research: Foster research in early childhood studies through field and analytical studies that contribute to policy development in child care and development.
4. Prepare Specialists in Educational Environments: Train professionals capable of designing stimulating learning environments that promote play-based and interactive learning.
5. Empower Graduates for Diverse Career Paths: Enable graduates to work in various fields, including nurseries, schools, child development centers, research institutions, and organizations dedicated to child welfare.
6. This program ensures that graduates are well-prepared to contribute to the advancement of early childhood education and care in Palestine.

The program includes specialized courses covering the following areas:

1. Learning and Growth Theories: An in-depth study of educational and psychological theories related to child development.
2. Early Childhood Education and Care: Strategies and approaches for teaching and caregiving appropriate for children from birth to age eight.
3. Health and Nutrition: The impact of health and nutritional factors on child growth and development.
4. Assessment and Early Intervention: Tools and methods for child developmental assessment and providing necessary support when needed.
5. Play and Holistic Development: The role of play in fostering child's social, creative, and cognitive skills.
6. Designing Child-friendly Learning Environments: Creating supportive physical and psychological environments for child's development.
7. Children’s Rights and Educational Policies: Analysis of international and local laws and regulations related to children's rights, education, and care
8. Scientific Research in Childhood Studies: Research methodologies and analytical techniques specific to early childhood studies.

The establishment of this program is driven by several key factors

1. Shortage of specialists: There is a significant lack of experts in child care and development across governmental, non-governmental, and private institutions.
2. Demand in the Job Market: The Palestinian job market, particularly universities, urgently needs qualified professionals with a Master’s degree in child care to teach and contribute to academic growth.
3. Unique Program Offering: This program is the first of its kind among Palestinian universities, making it a valuable addition to the local job market.
4. Growing Societal Challenges: Increasing social, economic, and political challenges in Palestinian and Arab societies directly affect children’s well-being.
5. Rising Social Issues: Problems such as parental separation and various forms of violence highlight the need for trained specialists to provide support and intervention.
6. Expanding Child Protection Efforts: Local and international organizations are increasing their child protection and juvenile care initiatives, creating a demand for qualified professionals.
7. Specialized Institutional Needs: Many child care institutions require professionals trained to handle the complexities of integration and adaptation in institutional environments.
8. Limited Research in Childhood Studies: There is a shortage of research and studies addressing critical childhood issues and developmental needs.

Impact of Political Circumstances: Palestinian children endure hardships due to the ongoing challenges posed by occupation, necessitating specialized support and advocacy.

Upon completing the program, graduates will be able to:

• Apply scientific theories of early childhood development to design and implement effective educational and care programs.
• Design and implement diverse play-based developmental activities that enhance children’s skills and abilities.
• Assess children's needs and provide appropriate supportive strategies for their growth and development.
• Conduct scientific research that contributes to the advancement of early childhood policies and improvements in care and education practices.
• Work efficiently in educational institutions, child development centers, and community organizations specialized in child welfare.

Graduates can work in:

• Nurseries and kindergartens
• Schools and educational institutions
• Local and international child-focused organizations
• Various social welfare institutions
• Research centers and institutions specializing in educational and psychological studies
• Governmental institutions involved in child care policies.

To be admitted into the Master’s Program in Child Care and Development, applicants must meet the following qualifications and conditions:

• Bachelor’s (70%+ GPA) in related Child Care or related fields (e.g., Education, Psychology, Social Work).
• Successfully pass a personal interview conducted by the program’s admissions committee based on set evaluation criteria.
• Compliance with Academic Regulations set by the faculty.
• Demonstrate good conduct and provide two academic recommendation letters from professors who have previously taught the applicant.