Family & Consumer Sciences

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CTE Standards

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Family and Consumer Sciences (FCS), also known as Human Services, empowers individuals and families across the lifespan. Our unique focus is on families, work and their relationships.

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Vision and Mission

FCS programs stimulate students to manage the challenges of living and working in a diverse global society. The mission of FCS education is to prepare students for family life, work life and careers in FCS by providing opportunities to develop the knowledge, skills and behaviors needed for:

  • Strengthening the well-being of individuals and families across the lifespan.
  • Becoming responsible citizens and leaders in family, community and work settings.
  • Promoting optimal nutrition and wellness across the lifespan.
  • Managing resources to meet the material needs of individuals and families.
  • Balancing personal, home, family and work lives.
  • Using critical and creative thinking skills to address problems in diverse family, community and work environments.
  • Successful life management, employment and career development.
  • Functioning effectively as providers and consumers of goods and services.
  • Appreciating human worth and accepting responsibility for one’s actions and success in family and work life.
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FCS in Iowa

Students in Iowa FCS programs are the future leaders and members of tomorrow’s families, workplaces and communities. Essential preparation for success includes acquisition of leadership, problem-solving, decision-making, critical thinking, communication, computer and mathematics skills. Iowa FCS courses focus on providing students foundational knowledge needed to be a productive member of society, including leadership, teamwork and communication, career awareness, and preparation for specific occupational pathways. In Iowa, FCS programs are offered at the middle and high schools levels in accordance with House File 2392.

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Framework for FCS in Career and Technical Education

The Framework for FCS in Career and Technical Education (CTE) provides a tool for developing high-quality FCS programs of study. It is designed to help local and state CTE administrators leverage their FCS programs to support students preparation for high-skill, high-wage, and/or in-demand careers and meet local economic and workforce demands for talent. FCS educators can also use the Framework to support their program and instructional planning to enhance the relevancy of their FCS programs.

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Statewide Articulation

Integrate the identified "competencies" from either the statewide articulation ECE 170 (for a comprehensive FCS program of study) or ECE 103 (for the occupational early childhood program of study) into your your course/s...it usually does take two semester courses to cover all of them. Remember, when your students leave your child development/early childhood course/s they will have earned the equivalency of a 3 credit course at the community college.

In addition, a "portfolio" of artifacts must be developed by your students documenting that they truly completed the identified competencies. Since the Early Alliance in Iowa (Early Childhood Educators) are still in the process of "identifying" the final "artifacts," I have attached a PowerPoint from North Carolina that "outlines" the artifacts that they collect and have also attached a list of "guidelines" that I will be presenting to the Early Alliance as a recommendation in the development of the final artifacts for your students.

Child Growth and Development (ECE 170)

Introduction to Early Childhood Education (ECE 103)

Nutrition

Community College Articulation Contact Information

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Standards and Framework

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Tools and Resources

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Professional Organizations

FCS educators and professionals are encouraged to become members of the following professional organizations:

Association for Career and Technical Education (ACTE) - A national association of professionals dedicated to the advancement of education that prepares youth and adults for successful careers. Members represent all facets of CTE.

Iowa Association for Career and Technical Education (IACTE) - Iowa's state association linked to the national ACTE organization.

American Association of Family and Consumer Sciences (AAFCS) - A national professional association dedicated to family and consumer sciences students and professionals from both multiple practice settings and content areas.

  • Iowa Family and Consumer Sciences (IAFCS) - Iowa's state organization linked to AAFCS, provides guidance to members in the curriculum areas of human growth and development, housing, food and nutrition, apparel and merchandising, financial management, personal behavior and independent living skills.
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