EKU instructor, Mary Sciaraffa, believes in making connections and taking an active part in her student’s educational experience. She goes above and beyond to ensure her online students have opportunities to interact and engage with her. Sciaraffa’s personal attention and dedication to helping students prepare to make their mark in the field makes her a...Read More

Individuals within Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) programs are active participants in the influence on young children’s cultural identity. Therefore, ECCE programs should consider providing a culturally relevant and responsive environment that acknowledges, respects, and welcomes a variety of cultural practices. Creating a culturally relevant and responsive environment requires one to be culturally sensitive.Read More

Students begin Eastern Kentucky University’s child and family studies program by taking foundational classes at the 200 and 300 level. Everything they learn in those classes melds together into an upper division curriculum class: Program Planning for Preschool curriculum (CDF 406). The course deals with topics ranging from the foundation of early childhood, through curricular...Read More

The EKU Online Child and Family Studies bachelor’s degree is in the Top 10 among online degree programs in human and family development. Best College Reviews placed Eastern Kentucky University’s program 8th in its 2018 rankings for “Best Bachelor’s in Human and Family Development Online Degree Programs.”Read More

We are living in unprecedented times with the rise of COVID-19. This novel virus has infiltrated and upended various aspects of our lives. This upheaval has sparked fear and questions from all over the world. One of these frequently asked questions is: how do I talk to my children about tragedy? Sports, recitals, and playdates...Read More

EKU’s online degree programs covering early childhood development are among the best for affordability and return on investment according to SR Education Group. Eastern Kentucky University's bachelor's in child and family studies - child development was named in the Top 10 on two of the organization’s lists for Best Online Colleges. EKU was also named...Read More

All B.S. degrees in the EKU department of Family and Consumer Sciences are accredited by the Council for Accreditation of the American Association of Family and Consumer Sciences. The Burrier Child Development Center (BCDC) on Eastern Kentucky University’s Richmond campus is a licensed Type 1 Child Care Center and is an accredited early childhood program through...Read More

Dr. Mary Sciaraffa brings a diverse background to her new role as assistant professor at EKU. Her training includes psychology, communication studies, human development and family studies. She earned her Ph.D. in curriculum and instruction from Louisiana State University.Read More

Kara Canterbury-Brown admits she was not fully committed to earning her degree when she started at EKU. The Rockcastle County native enrolled hoping to prove to her family that college was not for her. Once she learned about the EKU Child and Family Development program, however, everything changed. She found her passion and finished her...Read More

Sulfridge earned a bachelor’s degree in Child and Family Studies with a concentration in child development from EKU. She then decided to pursue a career as a child life specialist.Read More