Office of Career and Technical Education

Family and Consumer Sciences Education (FACS)

The Family and Consumer Sciences programs provide instruction in career, family and community connections; human development; family; interpersonal relationships; parenting; nutrition and wellness; family resource housing; and consumer and family resources. The programs empower individuals across the life span to manage the challenges of living and working in a diverse global society. The unique focus of the programs is on families, work and their interrelationships.

Family and Consumer Sciences programs prepare students for family life, work life, and careers in Family and Consumer Sciences by providing opportunities to develop the knowledge, skills, attitudes, and behaviors needed for:

• 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
• Successful life management, employment, and career development
• Functioning effectively as providers and consumers of goods and services

The programs emphasize the acquisition of knowledge and the development of understanding attitudes, standards, and skills that are relevant to individual and family life.

Occupational programs emphasize the knowledge, skills, and practices needed for securing and maintaining paid employment at the entry and advanced levels in occupations that utilize family and consumer sciences education. These occupations include Child Care, Food Production/Management, and Family and Community Services.

Family, Career and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA) is the student organization associated with family and consumer sciences. Involvement in FCCLA offers members the opportunity to expand their leadership potential and develop skills for life – planning, goal setting, problem solving, decision making and interpersonal communication – necessary in the home and workplace.