School of Education, Social Work, Child Life and Family Studies

Dean of Education, Social Work, Child Life and Family Studies

The School of Education, Social Work, Child Life and Family Studies embodies Wheelock’s mission — to improve the lives of children and families — by offering a rigorous educational experience and a range of professional career paths for students who wish to become change agents in the lives of children, families, and communities. Some of the professionals we prepare include teachers, child life specialists, social workers, juvenile justice and youth advocates, child development and early intervention specialists, parent educators and family support specialists and other professionals who work effectively in schools, child care settings, human services agencies, hospitals and health care organizations, governmental programs, and community-based settings.

Our students learn in the classroom and in the field, integrating theory with practice in ways that enable them to effectively work with, serve and advocate for people in need across the life span. What’s more, our program portfolio of undergraduate programs and graduate offerings support the needs of early practitioners as well as advanced practitioners. Also, because so many people who begin as practitioners seek opportunities in management and leadership, Wheelock offers a mix of certificate and graduate programs in organizational leadership.

Through an interdisciplinary approach, we prepare professionals who are extremely knowledgeable, critical thinkers, and who promote social justice in their daily practice:

Teachers who work effectively to enable children (Birth through Middle School) to learn, and who meet the needs of diverse learners through inclusive practice. Wheelock College is accredited by the National Council for Accreditation for Teacher Education (NCATE) and has held national accreditation since the 1980’s. All full educator preparation programs are nationally recognized by professional associations and state approved. Wheelock College is the only private institution of higher education in Massachusetts with national accreditation for teacher education.
Child Life specialists who respond to the psycho-social needs of children and families who must deal with medical or other health circumstances. Students graduating from our fifth-year masters and graduate Child Life programs are eligible to take the Child Life Certification exam offered by the Child Life Council. Students who are already Certified Child Life Specialists can advance their knowledge and career while getting a master’s degree.
Social workers who are deeply grounded in the promotion of human rights and social and economic justice for all through 21st century practices suited to an increasingly global, multicultural world. Concentration areas include advanced justice-based practice, research and policy related to children and families through family-centered and community-based practices. These practices build upon people's strengths and respect for their cultures while fostering collaboration in health, education and social services settings.
Juvenile justice and youth advocates who can support the rehabilitation of youth people who have run afoul of the legal system.

Wheelock graduates possess a strong understanding of human development and how children learn, family structures and interactions, the socio-cultural contexts in which children and families function and develop, and specific skills to work in multicultural and diverse environments. They are highly regarded for their professional expertise, leadership abilities, compassion, advocacy, and effectiveness, which accounts for why they are sought after around the country and the globe.