Jeonbuk National University (JBNU) Department of Child Studies (Head: Professor Kim Ri‑jin) is drawing attention as a hub for expanding child‑rearing‑friendly culture in the region by operating various educational and experiential programs to promote family‑centered parenting culture, activate community communication, and cultivate outstanding talent.

The Department of Child Studies is implementing practical education that enables children and families to grow together through the "Family Communication and Empathy Project for Fostering a Child‑Rearing‑Friendly Culture in the Community," carried out as part of the National University Development Project. The project combines specialized education based on understanding child development with community collaboration programs and is regarded as a convergent model that breaks down the boundaries between academia and society.

In particular, the "Picture Book Production Training Program," held from September until recently, received strong responses as a hands‑on course that nurtured students' creativity and empathy while helping family communication and understanding of children's emotions. Under guidance from faculty and experts, students experienced the entire picture‑book production process, including story development, character design, and color expression.

Professor Noh Bo‑ram, who planned and ran the program, said, "Picture books are a medium for understanding children's minds and fostering intergenerational empathy. I hope the picture books created by students will spread through the community and contribute to the creation of a warm parenting culture."

JBNU Department of Child Studies also operates a range of field programs for family communication and emotional healing. In July and August, in cooperation with the Jeollabuk Childcare Support Center, it conducted a "Parent–Child Interaction Assessment and Consulting" program for 20 pairs of parents of infants, receiving high satisfaction.

From November 13 to 14, the department plans to hold the "Jeonbuk Healing Family Camp" for families residing in Jeollabuk, aiming to strengthen family bonds and promote psychological recovery.

Through these diverse activities, the JBNU Department of Child Studies demonstrated educational achievements by ranking second among the Humanities and Social Sciences departments in this year’s internal departmental evaluation and being selected as an outstanding department for employment rate improvement.

Professor Kim Ri‑jin, Head of the Department of Child Studies, stated, "The Department of Child Studies is a department that works to create the well‑being of children and families in a changing society. We will continue to strengthen professional expertise and public value in the field of children and families through practical education and community collaboration."