Family and Consumer Sciences Education

Family and Consumer Sciences (FCS) education programs prepare students for living in the twenty-first century and earning a living in careers. FCS education prepares students to become positive, productive members of the workforce, families, and the community through two complementary instructional programs: Consumer and Family Studies (CFS) and Family and Consumer Sciences Related Occupations (FCSRO); and California Family, Career and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA), the career-technical student organization for FCS students. The three Career Technical Education industry sectors that are related to FCS are Education, Child Development and Family Services; Fashion and Interior Design; and Hospitality, Tourism, and Recreation.

At the elementary school level, students begin developing an awareness of FCS education, including key topics in CFS and related careers. In the middle grades, six through eight, courses provide an opportunity to explore personal life management skills and careers related to FCS.

At the high school level, CFS courses provide a foundation that enables students to pursue a career pathway option through a FCSRO program in one of nine areas.  FCS education programs should include three components: CFS, FCSRO, and California FCCLA. Instruction is designed to include the two complementary instructional programs that integrate California FCCLA leadership and career development activities.

Consumer and Family Studies programs provide students with life management, transferable, and employability skills through instruction and leadership development activities.  This program focuses on preparing students to balance personal, family, and work responsibilities. Students are equipped with essential skills for living through instruction in these eight content areas:

• Child Development and Guidance
• Consumer Education
• Family and Human Development
• Fashion, Textiles, and Apparel
• Food and Nutrition
• Housing and Furnishings
• Individual and Family Health
• Leadership Development

Family and Consumer Sciences Related Occupations programs are the specialized courses designed to prepared students for careers. These programs focus on preparing students with skills for earning a living and careers in the following nine pathways:

• Child Development and Education
• Consumer Services
• Education
• Family and Human Services
• Fashion Design and Merchandising
• Food Science, Dietetics and Nutrition
• Food Service and Hospitality
• Hospitality, Tourism, and Recreation
• Interior Design

California FCCLA is the pre-professional organization for FCS students that is integral to CFS and FCSRO instructional programs and builds leaders for families, communities, and careers.  California FCCLA provides co-curricular leadership and career development opportunities based on classroom instruction.  Effective programs employ California FCCLA as a teaching strategy for developing interpersonal, leadership, citizenship, and career skills.

For more information, please contact Family and Consumer Sciences staff at 916-319-0890, or go to the Family and Consumer Sciences web page or California FCCLA .