Human Development and Family Studies majors are required to complete an internship of at least 3 semester credits. Forty hours of work are completed at the internship site for each semester credit taken. Students may take a maximum of 15 credits in an internship.
The goal of the Human Development and Family Studies internship is to give each student exposure to the day to day workings of a human service agency and to experience what it is like to be a human service professional. Students perform various functions during their internships. They may learn how to complete developmental assessments of toddlers and eventually do these on their own (under supervision); act as a bereavement counselor; work with families facing emergency needs; participate in program planning and development; work with special needs populations for instance the mentally ill or developmentally disabled; assist in school age programs and more. Generally internship sites are available for students to work with individuals and families of all ages and backgrounds.
Every attempt is made to place students with agencies in their area of interest. The Human Development and Family Studies program allows students to complete their internship either in the greater Oneonta community or at an agency in their home area. A staff member of the Human Development and Family Studies Program coordinates the internships.
Some of the sites in the Oneonta area that are used for internships include: Catskill Area Hospice, Catholic Charities of Otsego and Delaware Counties, A.O. Fox Hospital, Family Resource Network, Opportunities for Otsego, Family Services Association, Americorps, YMCA, Headstart, Rehabilitation Support Services, Springbrook (An agency that works with disabled children and youth), LEAF Council on Alcohol/Addictions, Inc., and various local school districts.