Family and Consumer Sciences

Family and Consumer Sciences (FCS) programs are focused on the art and science of living and working well in a complex world.  FCS courses provide opportunities for students to develop the knowledge, skills, attitudes and behaviors needed for work and family life, including:

• Strengthening the well-being of individuals and families across the life span.
• Becoming responsible citizens and leaders in family, community, and work settings.
• Promoting optimal nutrition and wellness across the life span.
• 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 families, communities, and work environments.
• Exemplifying successful life management, employment, and career development.
• Functioning effectively as providers and consumers of goods and services.

Course Revisions

The following courses were revised for implementation during the 2023-2024 school year.  All curriculum frameworks are available from Virginia's CTE Resource Center website.

• Cybersecurity in Family and Consumer Sciences (19299-I/8291) 
• Cybersecurity in Family and Consumer Sciences, Advanced (19299-II/8292) 
• Early Childhood, Education, and Services I (19153-I/8285) 
• Early Childhood, Education, and Services II (19153-II/8286) 
• Family and Human Services I (19999-I/8264) 
• Family and Human Services II (19999-II/8265) 
• Introduction to Early Childhood, Education, and Services (19153/8233, 8234) 
• Introduction to Family and Human Services (19001/8237, 8238) 
• Life Planning (19257/8226, 8227) 
• Nutrition and Wellness (19253/8228, 8229)

Safety Best Practice Guide for CTE

The Safety Best Practice Guide for CTE (docx) is a collection of best practice resources used to assist school divisions in the development of a local school safety plan.

Instructional Resources

• Family and Consumer Sciences Course Listing (docx)
• Virginia's CTE Resource Center
• Industry Credentialing

Career and Technical Student Organization (CTSO)

Virginia Family, Career and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA) - Provides opportunities for students to prepare for multiple roles of family member, wage earner, and community leader as they develop skills for life through Family and Consumer Sciences Education. For more information, visit the CTSO web page. 

Resources

• Licensure Endorsement Requirements – Family and Consumer Sciences
• American Association for Family and Consumer Sciences (AAFCS)
• American Culinary Federation (ACF)
• Association for Career and Technical Education (ACTE)
• International Association of Culinary Professionals (IACP)
• National Education Association for the Education of the Young Children (NAEYC)
• National Partnership for Recruiting, Preparing, and Supporting FCS Educators
• Programmatic Accreditation Guidelines for Career and Technical Education 
• Virginia Association for Career and Technical Education (Virginia ACTE)
• Virginia Association for Teachers of Family and Consumer Sciences (VATFACS)
• Virginia Department of Labor and Industry
• Virginia Restaurant, Lodging, Travel Association

Virginia CTE Family and Consumer Sciences Listserv

If you are not on the Virginia CTE Family and Consumer Sciences listserv, contact Heather Jones to be added.