Child & Youth Development

The Dubai Strategic Plan for 2015 sets forth ambitious goals for the social development sector. Dubai has a strong tradition of support for the extended family. This tradition provides a strong base for the development of a social service network.

In recent years, the Dubai government, along with private organizations, has established centers to provide care for children, youth, and those with special needs. In the coming years, these centers and programs will be expanded. Dubai Cares is an important initiative that will provide funding and services in many areas of social need.

The Dubai national population is young - 38% under age 14. As women join the workforce in greater numbers, quality early childhood education, including quality child care, becomes even more important for families and for the wider society. Similarly, programs that encourage healthy youth development are critical as Dubai becomes more and more diverse.

Michigan State University's programs from the College of Social Sciences enable students to prepare for jobs in this emerging social sector. The degree programs with concentrations in Early Childhood Education and in Child and Youth Development will prepare new professionals for jobs in this sector, responding to the needs of the society, and building the social service infrastructure for Dubai and the Gulf region.

Graduates with a concentration in Child and Youth Development will be prepared to serve as:

	Counselors for at-risk youth - runaway, homeless, acting out, delinquent
	Youth advocates with governmental policy makers
	Providers of support services for youth with mental or physical disabilities
	Directors/leaders of recreational programs
	Youth group leaders
	Parent trainers and advisors
	Advisors/counselors for immigrant youth
	Youth agency directors/staff
	Child Life Specialists - working with youth in hospital pediatric wards
	Specialists in programs offering youth and their families enrichment experiences or family support services