Family and Consumer Sciences

Students enrolled in Child Development and Parenting learn about parenting roles and responsibilities and parenting practices that maximize human growth and development. They focus on ensuring a healthy start for parent and child, balancing work and family, and understanding support systems that provide services for families.

Culinary Arts I provides students with a foundational understanding of the food service industry and opportunities to build technical skills in food preparation and service. Students examine basic rules of kitchen safety and sanitation, of purchasing and receiving, and of fundamental nutrition. The curriculum incorporates math and science in culinary applications. This is a transport program hosted at select schools. This is a double blocked course.

Culinary Arts II students continue to acquire a comprehensive knowledge of the food service industry while refining their technical skills. Students apply kitchen safety and sanitation, nutritional principles, and advanced food-preparation techniques. Students complete work-based learning in venues such as the a la carte kitchen, the dining room, and catered functions. This is a transport program hosted at select schools. This is a double blocked course.

Students prepare to be primary providers of home-, family-, or institution-based childcare services by focusing on the planning, organizing, and conducting of meaningful play and learning activities; child monitoring and supervision; recordkeeping and referral procedures; and work-based learning experiences in on-site labs, local daycare centers, elementary schools, and other institutions under the supervision of the instructor. Students also prepare for continuing education leading to careers in early childhood fields (e.g., medical, social services, education). This is a double blocked course.

**Check with your counselor to see if this course is offered as Dual Enrollment at your school.

Students focus on occupational skills needed by personnel employed in early childhood-related careers, such as education, medical/health care, social services, counseling, psychology, and entrepreneurship. Work-based learning experiences in on-site labs, early childhood development centers, elementary schools, and other institutions under the supervision of the instructor are required. This is a double blocked course.

Students enrolled in Family Relations focus on developing strategies and skills that nurture human development and maintain healthy family relationships. They focus on managing work and family responsibilities throughout the life span.

Independent Living students become prepared to meet the challenges of living on their own. Students build life skills focusing on creating and maintaining healthy relationships and making responsible financial, consumer, nutrition, and housing decisions.

Individual Development students focus on cultivating positive future orientation; developing skills to build healthy relationships with family, peers, and community members; managing stress and conflict; and preparing to become college- and career-ready.

Introduction to Culinary Arts students investigate food safety and sanitation, culinary preparation foundations, basic culinary skills, diverse cuisines, service styles, nutrition and menu development, and the economics of food. Students also explore postsecondary education options and career opportunities within the food service industry.

Introduction to Early Childhood Education students explore different types of early childhood education programs and delivery models, develop safe and healthy learning environments for children, and identify the ages and stages of child development and developmentally appropriate practices that support child development from birth through age 12. Students explore balancing work and family, professionalism, and education and training requirements for multiple early childhood education career pathways during the course.

Introduction to Fashion Careers students learn what it takes to be successful in fashion by exploring careers within the industry. Instruction focuses on hands-on experiences. Students apply the design process from concept to final product and demonstrate basic fashion design techniques.

Life Planning equips students with the skills to face the challenges in today's society. Students will develop a life-management plan which includes Developing Career, Community, and Life Connections; Applying Problem Solving Processes to Life Situations; Creating and Maintaining Healthy Relationships; Developing Strategies for Lifelong Career Planning, Developing a Financial Plan; Examining Components of Individual and Family Wellness; and Demonstrating Leadership within the Community. Critical thinking and practical problem solving are emphasized through relevant life applications.

Students enrolled in Nutrition and Wellness focus on understanding wellness, investigating principles of nutrition, using science and technology in food management, ensuring food safety, planning menus and preparing food, and exploring careers in the field of nutrition and wellness. Critical thinking and practical problem-solving are emphasized. 

This course connects to the following career pathways:
Human Services
Hospitality & Tourism

Virginia Teachers for Tomorrow (VTfT) I fosters student interest, understanding, and appreciation of the teaching profession and allows secondary students to explore careers in the education and training career cluster and related pathways. Students build a foundation for teaching; learn the history, structure, and governance of teaching; apply professional teaching techniques in classroom and field experiences; and reflect on their teaching experiences. Dual enrollment (DE) credit may be available.

Students continue to explore careers in the education and training career cluster and related pathways. This course provides hands-on opportunities for students to examine careers in education, observe professional practice, and apply professional standards and educational theory. In an authentic practicum experience, students will be able to teach lessons, manage classrooms, create learning opportunities, and build their professional portfolio in the process. Dual enrollment (DE) credit may be available.