Family & Consumer Science (FACS)

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 direct contact with children in school based observations. Experience with a “Baby Think It Over” 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 will find this course particularly interesting. This course may be taken as an elective 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

In this course students will explore a variety of factors which influence health dynamics within the family. Prenatal development, the physical and emotional health needs of the infant and child, parenting, current nutritional concerns, chronic and communicable diseases. The effects of alcohol, tobacco and other drug substances are discussed and explored as they relate to all age groups. Students will also have the opportunity to apply nutritional principles through project based learning. In addition, students in this course will explore information regarding the skills and knowledge needed for entry into the workforce or for making career choices leading to postsecondary education and/or training in health service, human service or public service careers. 

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 $150. 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 become familiar with writing lesson plans, classroom management techniques, communication methods, integration of the content areas and other teaching related topics. Each student is required to complete a field experience by student teaching in a Shenendehowa elementary classroom during the 3rd and 4th marking periods.

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

College Individuals with Disabilities (formerly College Individuals with Exceptionalities)

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 or education settings that meet the needs of this population. 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. 

Course Requirements/Recommendations

OPEN TO STUDENTS IN GRADES: 11-12

College Credit: 4 College Credits are available to juniors and seniors through SUNY Cobleskill (ECHD 280). The fee to register is approximately $240. These credits may be transferred to other colleges.

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

College Seminar in Child Growth and Development: Theory and Practice

1 Year 1 Unit – Offered 2024-2025

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 and parenting. A required twelve hour self placed independent observation of a child two- five years old is necessary to complete, “The Child Study” portion of this course. This course may be taken as an elective 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.