The Department of Child Care and Youth Services at Aydın Adnan Menderes University, Buharkent Vocational School, was established in the 2016–2017 academic year. The Child Development Program, operating under this department, admitted its first students and began its educational activities in the 2017–2018 academic year. The Child Development Program is a two-year associate degree program that aims to educate qualified professionals who approach children's cognitive, language, motor, social, and emotional development holistically; recognize developmental characteristics and individual differences; respect children's rights and professional ethical principles; and effectively integrate theoretical knowledge into practice. The program aims to equip students with knowledge and skills in child development, early childhood education, special education, child psychology, family education, play, drama, art, creativity, and educational material development. Students' professional competencies are supported through theoretical courses and practical training activities.

The Department of Child Care and Youth Services was established at Aydın Adnan Menderes University, Buharkent Vocational School, in the 2016–2017 academic year. The Child Development Program, established within the department, admitted its first students in the 2017–2018 academic year and began offering education at the associate degree level. Since its establishment, the program has focused on educating individuals with professional knowledge and skills in child development and early childhood education. Its educational activities are carried out through an approach that integrates theoretical and practical training in line with scientific developments and professional needs in the field of child development.

The mission of the Child Development Program is to educate qualified child development professionals who can recognize children's developmental characteristics through scientific knowledge and evidence-based approaches, respect individual differences and children's rights, adhere to professional ethical principles, adopt innovative and inclusive educational practices, communicate effectively with families and communities, and integrate theoretical knowledge into professional practice. The program is committed to supporting children's healthy development and contributing to quality education and care services in society through the principles of equal opportunity, lifelong learning, social responsibility, and continuous professional development.

The vision of the Child Development Program is to become a leading and nationally recognized associate degree program that follows scientific and technological developments in child development, adopts innovative and practice-oriented educational approaches, educates professionally competent individuals who respect children's rights and individual differences, and is distinguished by its educational quality, social contributions, and qualified graduates.

The purpose of the Child Development Program is to educate qualified professionals who can recognize children's cognitive, language, motor, social, and emotional developmental characteristics; consider their developmental needs and individual differences; plan and implement educational activities that support children's development; and prepare appropriate educational materials. Accordingly, the program aims to provide students with fundamental professional knowledge and skills in early childhood education, special education, childcare, and child development support services. It also seeks to develop their ability to use play, drama, art, and creative activities, prioritize children's safety and best interests, and collaborate with families and professionals from different disciplines. Throughout the four-semester associate degree program, theoretical knowledge is integrated with practical training to educate responsible individuals who adhere to professional ethical values, demonstrate problem-solving skills, and embrace lifelong learning.

The Child Development Program at Aydın Adnan Menderes University, Buharkent Vocational School, has a Child Development Workshop and a Drama Workshop designed to support students in transforming theoretical knowledge into practice and developing professional skills. The Child Development Workshop provides a practical learning environment where students can prepare developmentally appropriate educational materials, improve their activity planning and implementation skills, and participate in small-group activities. The Drama Workshop supports students in developing creative thinking, self-expression, communication, collaboration, and drama-related skills. These facilities contribute to strengthening students' professional competencies and preparing them for educational practices in the field of child development.

The technical infrastructure of the Child Development Program consists of educational tools, teaching materials, and workshop facilities designed to support students' theoretical and practical learning processes. The Child Development Workshop and Drama Workshop serve as practical learning environments that support students in developing educational materials, designing games and activities, conducting drama practices, and participating in group activities. The use of educational technologies and various teaching materials within the program contributes to the development of students' professional knowledge and skills.