Program Description
Family and Consumer Sciences programs facilitate student progress toward a set of unifying goals in the areas of academic achievement, cultural and environmental issues, health and safety, individual and family relations, leadership and workplace ethics, and application of technology. Courses provide training in areas related to early childhood, nutrition, housing and life management. The objective of the program is to develop responsible citizens and leaders in family, community and work settings. Students have an opportunity to participate in co-curricular activities through Family, Career and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA). These activities are an integral part of the program and are designed to enhance the course offerings through leadership development. A lab fee is required for some courses.
Work-based Learning
Cooperative Education (Co-op) and Internships are high-quality work-based learning experiences for juniors and seniors that place the student in a workplace environment. This placement allows the student to develop and practice knowledge and skills for a specific career field related to the student’s career interests, abilities, and goals. Co-op is a paid work-based learning experience while internships may be paid or unpaid. Co-op and internships are connected to classroom learning and are guided by a formal, written training plan that defines specific academic, technical, and workplace skills to be mastered. Applications may be obtained from a school counselor or a CTE teacher.
On-the-job hours required to earn credit through cooperative education or internship are as follows:
140 hours = .5 credit
280 hours = 1 credit
Job shadowing is a short-term experience available as a part of Career and Technical Education courses through an application process. Juniors and seniors who are currently enrolled in CTE courses or who have completed a coherent sequence of CTE courses are eligible. The application process includes student narrative and teacher recommendation. Students participating in this work-based learning experience are required to complete a reflective exercise.
Credentialing
The High School Industry Credentialing initiative encourages students to work toward a selected industry credential or state license while pursuing a high school diploma. The Virginia Department of Education evaluates on an on-going basis industry credentials against prescribed criteria for graduation requirements for the Standard Diploma (8VAC20-131-50.B) and student-selected verified credit (8VAC20-131-110.C). Credentialing exams are available to any student taking a Career and Technical Education course.
Credits
2.0
Students prepare for a professional career in early childhood education including home, family, or institution-based child care services and/or as background information for post-secondary study in any field working with children (e.g., medical, social services, and education). This dynamic course focuses on the planning, organizing, and conducting of meaningful play and learning activities; child monitoring and supervision; record keeping; and assessment and referral procedures. Critical thinking, practical problem solving, collaborative learning and application, and entrepreneurship opportunities within the field of early childhood education are emphasized. Classroom theory will be delivered through a hybrid method of class time and online learning (Google Classroom) along with practical experiences (e.g., local child care centers, elementary schools, other appropriate institutions) under the supervision of the instructor to meet the 280 hour course requirement.
Credits
2.0
Students expand upon the experiences of Early Childhood Education level I in addition to an overview of special education as they focus on occupational skills needed by personnel employed in early childhood-related fields, such as education, medical/health care, social services, counseling, psychology, and entrepreneurship. Work-based learning experiences (e.g., local child care centers, elementary schools, other appropriate institutions) under the supervision of the instructor are required. Critical thinking, practical problem solving, collaborative learning and application, and entrepreneurship opportunities within the field of early childhood education are emphasized. Classroom theory will be delivered through a hybrid method of class time and online learning (Google classroom) along with practical experiences (e.g., local child care centers, elementary schools, other appropriate institutions) under the supervision of the instructor to meet the 280 hour course requirement. Students can choose the co-op method to earn the third credit. Those students will participate in an additional component of on-the-job training outside of the school day in an approved position with continuing supervision throughout the school year for an additional credit.
Credits
3.0
Students expand upon the experiences of Early Childhood Education level I in addition to an overview of special education as they focus on occupational skills needed by personnel employed in early childhood-related fields, such as education, medical/health care, social services, counseling, psychology, and entrepreneurship. Work-based learning experiences (e.g., local child care centers, elementary schools, other appropriate institutions) under the supervision of the instructor are required. Critical thinking, practical problem solving, collaborative learning and application, and entrepreneurship opportunities within the field of early childhood education are emphasized. Classroom theory will be delivered through a hybrid method of class time and online learning (Google classroom) along with practical experiences (e.g., local child care centers, elementary schools, other appropriate institutions) under the supervision of the instructor to meet the 280 hour course requirement. Students can choose the co-op method to earn the third credit. Those students will participate in an additional component of on-the-job training outside of the school day in an approved position with continuing supervision throughout the school year for an additional credit.
