Family & Consumer Science (FACS)

College and career options available to students of the 21st century are changing rapidly. More than ever before students will be expected to have exposure to many disciplines. CTE electives listed are designed for all students, regardless of their course work focus. They are designed to be engaging, relevant, and connected to real world workforce trends.

Clothing and Housing Courses:

*Fashion, Clothing and Textiles .5 Unit

*Housing and Interior Design .5 Unit

Child Studies Pathway:

Child Psychology & Development and Creative Activities/Experiences for Children 1 Unit

**Child, Family & Personal Health .5 Unit/(College Credit)

**Early Childhood Education Programs 1 Unit/(College Credit)

** Individuals with Exceptionalities 1 Unit/(College Credit)

**Seminar in Child Growth and Development; Theory and Practice Honors 1 Unit/(College Credit)

* Students enrolled in both Fashion, Clothing and Textiles and Housing and Interior Design may use these courses to meet the one unit art/music requirement

** Students in this course who are juniors or seniors may be eligible to receive college credit. See your school counselor for details regarding college credit agreements.

Students NOT seeking a Career and Technical Education sequence in Child Studies may select courses as electives.

Regents Diploma with ADVANCED Designation:

A 5-unit pathway in Family and Consumer Sciences can substitute for the 3-unit LOTE requirement.

FACS Progression

Fashion, Clothing and Textiles

1 Semester .5 Unit

Course Description

In this course students investigate various aspects of fashion and the basics of clothing and textiles through hands-on projects. Topics include clothes and personal appearance, historical clothing styles, fashion fads and trends, principles and elements of design, fabrics, and careers. Individualized activities such as wardrobe evaluation, clothing construction by hand and machine and garment upcycling are included, plus consumer tips for purchasing clothes. Students will also practice appropriate dress for job interviews and various social situations. Anyone interested in a career in the clothing, textiles or fashion fields will find this course interesting and fun. Students who have a genuine interest in fashion and making the most of their current wardrobes will also enjoy this course.

Course Requirements/Recommendations

OPEN TO STUDENTS IN GRADE: 9

*Any student may use Fashion, Clothing and Textiles plus Housing and Interior Design to fulfill the one unit Art/Music requirement.

Housing and Interior Design

1 Semester .5 Unit

Course Description

In this course students investigate housing styles and the basics of interior design and decorating through hands-on projects. Topics include historical architectural styles, selecting a home, the principles and elements of design: window, wall, and floor coverings, furniture styles, floor plans, and careers. The highlight of the semester is the designing and decorating of your dream house. Students will find that much of the information learned can be applied to better organize, personalize and update their current living arrangement. Creative young people interested in careers such as interior decorating, interior design, real estate, and architecture will find this course especially enjoyable and worthwhile.

Course Requirements/Recommendations

OPEN TO STUDENTS IN GRADE: 9

*Any student may use Fashion, Clothing and Textile Design plus Housing and Interior Design to fulfill the one unit Art/Music requirement.

*Students who want to learn more about housing design may be recommended for Architectural Design

Child Psychology & Development & Creative Activities/Experiences for Children

1 Year 1 Unit*

Course Description

In the first semester of this course students take a close look at the child’s growth and development from conception to school age. They will also explore major theorists, their models of child development, and parenting. Students will study and observe the physical, social, emotional and intellectual development of children through projects and student led activities. Experience with a “RealCare Baby” infant simulator is a component of this class. In the second semester students will learn how to develop creative activities that promote self-expression and learn how play enhances children’s growth at different stages of development. Exploring activities in art, music, literature, science, and nutrition will provide understanding of how to involve children in activities and make the experiences fun and educational. Students interested in pursuing a career in the education field or the field of psychology will find this course particularly interesting. This course may be taken as an elective, an approved NYS CTE Pathway or part of the Child Studies sequence.

Course Requirements/Recommendations

OPEN TO STUDENTS IN GRADES: 10-12

* Priority given to students in grades 11-12.

College Child and Family Wellness

1 Semester .5 Unit

Course Description

Students will explore a variety of environmental, behavior and legal factors which influence health dynamics within the family. Some areas of study and topics will include: establishing safe environments for children, options for family health care, communicable and non-communicable diseases in children, nutritional needs of young children, common childhood emergencies and appropriate care. The holistic environment, influences of culture and the impact of poverty on the family will be researched and discussed. An emphasis and focus of this course is on creating a safe environment to enhance children’s growth and development. The role of the professional, working in various roles with children, is also emphasized.

In addition, students will be responsible for various presentations throughout the course.

Course Requirements/Recommendations

OPEN TO STUDENTS IN GRADES: 10-12, with preference given to juniors and seniors

College Credit: 3 College Credits are available through SUNY Cobleskill (ECHD 240). The fee to register is approximately $180. These credits may be transferred to other colleges.

College Early Childhood Education

1 Year 1 Unit*

Course Description

This course is designed for students in 11th and 12th grade who are interested in a career working with children, especially teaching. Students will be writing lesson plans, learning and implementing classroom management techniques, educational strategies, communication methods, integration of the CORE content areas in the elementary. Each student is required to complete a field experience of 30 hours by student teaching in a Shenendehowa elementary classroom during the 3rd and 4th marking periods. Students will be observed by their teachers, maintain daily experience logs, and write essays reflecting on their teaching practice. The final presentation includes a digital and physical portfolio presented to peers at the end of the course. This course may be taken as an elective, an approved NYS CTE Pathway or part of the Child Studies sequence.

Course Requirements/Recommendations

OPEN TO STUDENTS IN GRADES: 11-12 ONLY

College Credit: 3 College credits are available to juniors & seniors through SUNY Cobleskill (ECHD 130). The fee to register is approximately $180. These credits may be transferred to other colleges.

Recommended: Child Psychology and Development and Creative Activities/Experiences for Children

Ind With Disabilities POS Video.mp4

College Exceptional Children

1 Year 1 Unit – Offered 2025-2026

Course Description

This course is for juniors and seniors who have an interest in working with individuals with special needs. Students will be required to complete a minimum of 20 hours participating in independent field visits to local agencies and/or education settings that work with or serve this population. Students will participate in direct experiences with exceptional children and maintain experience logs and reflections. Public policy, as it relates to individuals with special needs, will be examined. Attention will be given to agencies and organizations who service individuals with special needs and their families. Specific areas to be studied are hearing and vision impairments, speech/language, orthopedic, physical, emotional, intellectual and learning disabilities, as well as severe disabilities. Researching career opportunities in the special education field is also part of the course. This course may be taken as an elective, an approved NYS CTE Pathway or part of the Child Studies sequence.

Course Requirements/Recommendations

OPEN TO STUDENTS IN GRADES: 11-12

College Credit: 3 College Credits are available to juniors and seniors through SUNY Cobleskill (ECHD 280). The fee to register is approximately $180. These credits may be transferred to other colleges.

Recommended: Child Psychology and Development and Creative Activities/Experiences for Children

Coll. Seminar in Child Growth and Development POS Video.mp4

College Seminar in Child Growth and Development: Theory and Practice

1 Year 1 Unit – Offered 2026-2027

Course Description

This course is an overview of normative child growth and development from conception through age 11. The course will focus on major theorists and their models of child development. Developmental areas will include: physical, cognitive, speech/language, perceptual and social/emotional. Practical application of theory will be related to observation skills, activities and curriculum, the role of the family, the role of the teacher, as well as issues in child development. A 12 hour self placed independent observation of a child two- five years old is required to complete, “The Child Study” expectation of this course. These hours must be completed outside of the school day. This course may be taken as an elective, an approved NYS CTE Pathway or part of the Child Studies sequence.

Course Requirements/Recommendations

OPEN TO STUDENTS IN GRADES 11-12

College Credit: 3 College Credits are available to juniors and seniors through SUNY Cobleskill (ECHD 170). The fee to register is approximately $180. These credits may be transferred to other colleges. Free and reduced price tuition is available for those who qualify.

Page updated

Report abuse