• The mission of Family and Consumer Sciences Education is to provide opportunities for students to develop knowledge and skills that strengthen families and empower individuals to take action for the well-being of self and others in the home, workplace, community, and world. Family, Career and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA) is the career and technical student organization that offers leadership and employability training as an integral part of Family and Consumer Sciences.

    COURSES

    Child Development - This course enables students to develop an understanding of the nature of child development from prenatal care through early childhood. The content includes basic needs of children, principles of human development, prenatal care, the birth process, responsibilities of parenting, and creating a nurturing, stimulating, and safe environment for children.

    Early Childhood Education (ECE) I - This program prepares students for initial employment in careers related to early childhood and child care. It is the first of a three-course core program that focuses on broad, transferable skills in early childhood education. The course content includes many hands-on learning activities that promote the physical, intellectual, emotional and social development of children.

    Early Childhood Education (ECE) II, III - This two-block course further prepares students for careers in early childhood with advanced knowledge and hands-on experience with materials and activities appropriate for young children. Regular observation and supervised work experiences with young children at a local child care center or kindergarten are required. Students who successfully complete the program will hold a forty-hour HRS certificate necessary for employment in the child care industry.

    Early Childhood Education (ECE) IV - This program provides learning and hands-on activities that will prepare students with a range of management, supervisory, and teaching skills used by preschool teachers. Students will acquire competence in child development history, classroom management, developmentally appropriate practices and curriculum, current trends and issues, and universal infection control.

    Family & Consumer Sciences Cooperative Education/OJT - This course provides students with an on-the-job training component when the cooperative method of instruction is used to prepare students for employment in family and consumer sciences wage-earning occupations. On-the-job experiences are a part of a job for employment in the occupation chosen by the student or experience that further develop the competencies acquired by the student in an in-school job preparatory program. A training plan for each student is developed, and on-the-job supervision is provided by the cooperative education teacher and the employer.

    Family Dynamics - This course introduces students to roles, responsibilities, and skills essential to managing a healthy adult life. The content includes balancing home and work responsibilities; marriage laws and customs; child care; developing and maintaining relationships; effective use of financial resources; managing stress, crisis and conflict; and current societal issues that affect families.

    Nutrition and Wellness - This course enables students to analyze the relationship between nutrition and wellness and apply basic food preparation skills that promote healthy living. Concepts include the functions and sources of nutrients, consumer skills to maximize the food dollar; eating disorders; meal planning; and using technology and scientific principles for sound nutrition and wellness.

    Principles of Food Preparation - This course expands and refines students' knowledge and skills in the preparation of specialty foods. Concepts include food preparation for entertaining and creative cooking, catering, quantity cooking, foreign food preparation, and cake decoration. Concepts for entrepreneurship, management, nutrition, food service, consumer education, sanitation, and safety are taught as they relate to instruction.

    GOLD SEAL INFORMATION

    Upon completion of a program, students will receive a certificate of completion. In addition, students may also qualify for the Florida Bright Future Gold Seal Scholarship.
     
    Gold Seal Scholarship Criteria
    - Must have taken Early Childhood Education (ECE) I, II, III
    - Must maintain a 3.0 overall GPA
    - Must maintain 3.5 GPA for Early Childhood Development (ECE)
    FCCLA

    The mission of FCCLA is to promote personal growth and leadership development through Family and Consumer Sciences education. Focusing on the multiple roles of family member, wage earner and community leader, members develop skills for life through: character development, creative and critical thinking, interpersonal communication, practical knowledge, and career preparation.

    CONTACT US

    Ms. J. White - Dept. Chair
    (850) 837-5476
    Email: jwhite4@ecsdfl.us 

    Nikki Gill, ECE Instructor
    (850) 937-5475
    Email: ngill@ecsdfl.us