Family & Consumer Science
Family & Consumer Science Department Staff
Amber-Jean Arcadipane - Kellie Eckley - Emily Sweitzer
The Family and Consumer Science courses emphasize individuals and families and their roles in our society. The goals of the Family and Consumer Science Department are to assist students, develop attitudes, appreciations, understandings and abilities for the achievement of satisfying personal, family, and community life. With this in mind, the curriculum is designed to help individuals appreciate the significance of the family as a basic unit in our society and the impact it makes upon the health, values and attitudes of members at each developmental stage; understand the nature of personal values and their role in determining the quality of personal and family relations in society; perceive family practices of different cultural groups; gain knowledge of underlying principles relevant to meeting human needs; comprehend the influence affecting decision making; develop skills in making decisions and managing resources; acquire knowledge and skills needed to provide food, clothing and shelter for the individual or the family; develop human relations skills; develop intellectual abilities and attitudes needed to deal creatively with continuous social, economic, and technological changes affecting family life; and make creative use of leisure time.
Course Availability
Consumer Education 550100 0.5 Cr. 9, 10, 11, 12
This course covers several areas of FCS education. Emphasis in this course is placed upon the development of competencies related to: wellness and mindfulness, sound nutrition and menu planning, consumerism, money management, jobs and career opportunities, fashion trends, essential sewing skills, and personal responsibilities. As a project-based learning style course, students will complete several practical and creative hands-on assignments throughout the semester.
Child Development 1 550108 0.5 Cr. 9,10,11,12
This elective is open to all students interested in working with children. Students will investigate career opportunities that involve working with children of all ages. Specific units will include: types of child care programs, theories of child development, and understanding children from birth through 2 years old.
Child Development 2 550109 1.0 Cr. 9,10,11,12
This elective is open to all students interested in working with children. Students will expand the knowledge of children studied in Child Development 1, addressing the overall development of children between the ages of 2 and 12. Units of study will focus upon the day care environment and the elementary classroom, exploration of educational materials and toys, preparation and delivery of age appropriate lessons and activities, guiding children with special needs, and proper nutrition.
Prerequisite: Successful completion of Child Development 1
Child Development 3 550200 1.0 Cr. 10,11,12
This elective is open to students in grades 10, 11 and 12 who wish to pursue a career involving children. Students will build upon the knowledge of children studied in Child Development 1 and 2. Units of study will focus upon children’s health and safety, fostering children’s learning, guiding children, and daily routines in a childcare setting.
Prerequisite: Successful completion of Child Development 1 and 2
Child Development 4 550201 1.0 Cr. 11,12
This elective is open to students in grades 11 and 12 who wish to pursue a career involving children. Students will build the knowledge of children studied in Child Development 1, 2, and 3. Units of study will focus upon the curricular areas of reading, math, science, and social studies, art experiences, storytelling, puppetry, and music and movement.
Prerequisite: Successful completion of Child Development 1, 2, and 3
Parenting Skills 550111 0.5 Cr. 9,10,11,12
The Parenting Skills course will prepare students with basic skills that enable children to grow, mature and learn in a nurturing atmosphere. The areas of in-depth study include: parenting/caregiving styles and responsibilities, reproduction, genetics and birth defects, prenatal development, the birth process, child care and child rearing practices.
Culinary 550105 0.5 Cr. 10, 11,12
This elective is recommended to all students interested in food and the techniques of food preparation. This course will cover units in equipment, careers, sauces, French Cookery, confections, grilling, spices, garnishes, soups, pasta, vegetables, cakes and breads. This course will use the premise of a restaurant kitchen in exploring the different stations and the responsibilities of each.