All students need the knowledge and skills to successfully manage living and working in an ever changing society.
The Family and Consumer Sciences (FACS) department offers courses that provide students with real-world learning opportunities that prepares them for in-demand careers such as Human Services, and Nutrition, Health, and Wellness.
Shaker High School Students can gain knowledge and skills with their choice of 2 Career Pathways and 10 different courses in the FACS Department. Each career pathway is a sequence of courses approved by the New York State Education Department and includes a professional exam, work based learning experiences, and at least one college level course. Students who complete the required courses and pass the professional exam will receive a CTE Endorsement Seal on their diploma.
P = Prerequisite
E = Elective
R = Regents
AP = Advanced Placement
UHS = University in the High School
NYSED Approved Family and Consumer Sciences Career Pathways:
Human Services
Nutrition, Health, and Wellness
Note: Together, #625 Textiles and Design plus #626 Housing and Interior Design fulfills the Graduation Requirement for an art/music credit.
Students interested in Education, Social Work or Psychology should take:
Intro to Early Childhood
Child Development
Adolescent Development
Careers in Human Services
Gerontology
Career Exploration Internship Program (CEIP)
Students interested in Nutrition, Sports Medicine, Nursing: NP, RN, LPN, Therapy: PT, OT, and Medicine should take:
Food and Nutrition Across the Lifespan
Fitness and Nutrition
Adolescent Development
Intro to Early Childhood
Careers in Human Services
Gerontology
Career Exploration Internship Program (CEIP)
Students interested in Interior Design, Clothing Design & Fashion Merchandising should take:
Textiles and Design
Housing and Interior Design
610 Gerontology
Second Semester ½ Unit
*This course is part of the Human Services and Nutrition, Health and Wellness Career Pathways*
Recommended: Adolescent Development
In this course students will explore the field of gerontology. Students will learn about the process of aging and the typical changes that occur in the life of an elderly person. Further, students will understand how to respond to the needs of the elderly due to a variety of changes that the elderly experience. Discussions will highlight life changes that relate to such topics as housing and self-care. Students will have the opportunity to interact with mature adults and professionals in living and working environments, in preparation for potential employment in Gerontology. This course will ultimately allow students to develop positive attitudes toward the elderly and understand their contribution to society.
This course is open to students in grades 9-12.
617 Food and Nutrition Across the Lifespan
First Semester ½ Unit
*This course is part of the Human Services and Nutrition, Health and Wellness Career Pathways*
This course will help you develop an understanding of basic cooking and nutritional concepts through real life, hands-on experiences. The course will begin with basic kitchen fundamentals and kitchen safety. Students will use this knowledge during dietary planning and food preparation. Other topics include influences on food choices, nutritional principles, and dietary guidelines. Students will learn the fundamentals of cookery and gain practical experience preparing foods. Students who are successful in both #617 Food and Nutrition Across the Lifespan plus #624 Fitness and Nutrition, and pay a tuition fee, may earn three college credits from SUNY Schenectady County Community College (SCCC).
This course is open to students in grades 10-12.
620 Adolescent Development
Second Semester ½ Unit
*This course is part of the Human Services Pathway*
In this course, stages of the life cycle will be explored as well as how the adolescent interacts with others in these stages. Several theorists will be introduced to students. Students will be reading a novel of their choice that will allow them to explore current adolescent issues. Students will investigate and engage in several community service activities. Past activities include working with local nursing homes and the Ronald McDonald House.
This course is open to students in grades 9-12.
623 Introduction to Early Childhood
First Semester ½ Unit
*This course is part of the Human Services and Nutrition, Health and Wellness Career Pathways*
In this course, students will gain an awareness of the skills necessary to work effectively with children. Topics include: parenting skills, fetal development and childbirth, and the physical, cognitive, social and emotional development of the child from infancy to preschool. This course consists of class discussion, projects and guest speakers. It is suggested for students considering a career in education, psychology, daycare, nursing or parenthood. This course is recommended as the foundation for the Child Development course offered for Hudson Valley Community College Credit.
This course is open to students in grades 9-12.
624 Fitness and Nutrition
Either Semester ½ Unit
*This course is part of the Human Services and Nutrition, Health and Wellness Career Pathways*
This course is intended for students interested in lifelong health and wellness. Students will assess their personal health, explore human anatomy, develop exercise plans based on injury, and examine nutrient groups as they relate to overall health and physical performance. The course also introduces a variety of career pathways in fitness and nutrition and offers students opportunities for hands-on healthy food preparation.
Students who are successful in both #617 Food and Nutrition Across the Lifespan plus #624 Fitness and Nutrition, and pay a tuition fee, may earn three college credits from SUNY Schenectady County Community College (SCCC).
This course is open to students in grades 10-12 and recommended to be taken after #617 Food and Nutrition Across the Lifespan.
625 Textiles and Design
First Semester ½ Unit
*This course plus #626 Housing and Interior Design may be used to fulfill the art/music graduation requirement
If you are interested in clothing and fashion, this course is for you! Students will have the opportunity to explore fashion and design while learning production techniques. Fashion is reviewed from historical styles to current fashion trends. And, students will learn the art of clothing design and construction by creating their own garments.
This course is open to students in grades 9-12.
626 Housing and Interior Design
Second Semester ½ Unit
*This course plus #625 Textiles and Design may be used to fulfill the art/music graduation requirement
In this hands-on, creative course, students will explore how people design and create personalized spaces. Universal Design concepts, current housing trends, and historical architecture are explored. Learners will apply the elements and principles of design through interactive activities and projects. This class is ideal for students interested in interior design, architecture, or creating beautiful and functional spaces.
This course is open to students in grades 9-12.
627 Global Food and Nutrition
Second Semester ½ Unit
*This course is part of the Human Services and Nutrition, Health and Wellness Career Pathways*
Prerequisite: #617 Food and Nutrition Across the Lifespan
Food is prepared here in America with ethnic roots from all over the world. First, we will investigate the ethnic foods and heritage common to regions in the U.S. Then we look overseas to find out what and how foods are prepared abroad. Be prepared to work in a team to cook, clean and sample dishes from all over the world. Join us and you will brush up on your geography skills, social studies, and cultural awareness while getting skilled at dinner preparations.
This course is open to students in grades 11-12.
628 Careers in Human Services
First Semester ½ Unit
*This course is part of the Human Services and Nutrition, Health and Wellness Career Pathways*
This course provides students with extensive exploration of a variety of human service career opportunities. Students study the needs of individuals and families, the ways in which community agencies help fulfill their needs, as well as the skills necessary to work effectively in this field. Students benefit from multiple guest speakers sharing their day to day experiences in the field.
This course is open to students in grades 9-12.
629 UHS Child Development (P)
Second Semester ½ Unit
*This course is part of the Human Services Career Pathway*
Recommendation: Introduction to Early Childhood
Child development from conception through preadolescence is explored and related to current research and theories. This course broadens the student’s knowledge of the many systems which influence development. The interdependence among all aspects of growth and development is emphasized. The needs of infants and children at each stage are related to their daily care and educational programs. Join other students who are interested in information that can be applied to careers in teaching, counseling/psychiatry, or social work or for the role as a future parent.
Students who are successful in this course, and pay a tuition fee may earn three college credits from Hudson Valley Community College (HVCC).
30 Hours of informal observation is required to receive college credit.
This course is open to students in grades 11-12.