MISSION & VISION

1. OUR MISSION

 

Our mission is to educate child development professionals who can evaluate the development of children aged 0–18 through a holistic perspective in line with scientific, ethical, and contemporary principles; who think critically; and who are innovative and solution-oriented. Our department adopts an approach that prioritizes the best interests of the child, responds sensitively to the needs of children, families, and society, and emphasizes the early support of children with diverse developmental characteristics and those at risk. To this end, we aim to produce interdisciplinary and sustainable scientific research, and to present the resulting knowledge and practices for the benefit of society in alignment with development goals.
 

2. OUR VISION

 

Our vision is to be a respected and preferred department at national and international levels that educates child development professionals who are qualified to work in fields such as health, education, justice, and social services; who are creative, possess strong communication skills, are open to contemporary approaches, and are oriented toward scientific research; and that provides student-centered, high-quality, and innovative educational practices.
 

3. CORE VALUES

 
  1. Child Rights and the Best Interests of the Child: To prioritize the best interests of the child and uphold child rights in all educational, research, and practice processes.
  2. Scientific and Evidence-Based Approach: To act in accordance with universal scientific principles and adopt up-to-date, evidence-based practices in the field of child development.
  3. Ethics and Transparency: To remain committed to ethical principles, honesty, accountability, and transparency in all academic and administrative processes.
  4. Inclusiveness: To respect the individual differences of all children and support equal opportunities for children with special needs and disadvantaged groups.
  5. Family and Community Collaboration: To recognize the importance of family and society in child development, collaborate with stakeholders, and strengthen social contribution.
  6. Early Intervention and Preventive Approach: To prioritize scientific and practice-based efforts aimed at the early identification and support of developmental risks.
  7. Innovation: To embrace creative, entrepreneurial, technology-based, and solution-oriented approaches in education, research, and practice.
  8. Sustainability: To adopt an understanding of environmental, social, and institutional sustainability that considers the long-term well-being of children, society, and future generations.


4. STRATEGIC GOALS, OBJECTIVES, AND PERFORMANCE INDICATORS


Strategic Goal 4.1: Enhancing Quality in Education and Training

 

Objective 4.1.1: To improve a student-centered, practice-oriented, competency-based curriculum aligned with assessment and evaluation processes in line with current national and international approaches in child development.
Objective 4.1.2: To strengthen students’ professional skills by diversifying practical courses, field studies, institutional observations, and internship opportunities.
Objective 4.1.3: To integrate digital learning environments, educational technologies, and innovative teaching methods into educational processes.
Objective 4.1.4: To enhance the pedagogical and practice-based competencies of academic staff through training-of-trainers programs, in-service training, and professional development activities related to current approaches in child development education.


Strategic Goal 4.2: Strengthening Research, Development, and Publication Capacity

Objective 4.2.1: To increase the number of national and international scientific publications and projects in the field of child development.
Objective 4.2.2: To encourage interdisciplinary and practice-oriented research, and to develop project-based and academic collaborations in child development.
Objective 4.2.3: To promote students’ participation in scientific research processes.

Strategic Goal 4.3: Enhancing Social Contribution and Stakeholder Collaboration

Objective 4.3.1: To increase educational, consultancy, awareness-raising, and social responsibility activities aimed at the well-being of children, families, and society.
Objective 4.3.2: To strengthen collaborations with institutions affiliated with the Ministry of National Education, the Ministry of Health, the Ministry of Family and Social Services, the Ministry of Culture, as well as municipalities and non-governmental organizations.


Strategic Goal 4.4: Improving Institutional Capacity and Management Quality

Objective 4.4.1: To strengthen the department’s physical, technological, and digital infrastructure in order to support education and research processes.
Objective 4.4.2: To improve practice areas such as the developmental laboratory, play therapy room, Montessori laboratory, and drama room.
Objective 4.4.3: To disseminate a culture of strategic planning, monitoring, evaluation, and continuous improvement within the scope of the quality assurance system.