Child, Youth, and Family Services (CERT)

The Child, Youth and Family Services (CYF) Certificate prepares students for employment in a variety of in-demand helping professions. Public and private organizations are seeking graduates with knowledge and skills in childcare, youth leadership, family programming, and adult care. Our highly trained faculty and instructors provide students with a flexible online, culturally informed learner-focused education. Students take a variety of courses focusing on development through the lifespan, applicable theory, professional presentations and writing. No prerequisite knowledge needed. Students may be new to college, looking to enhance prior knowledge, and/or develop a resume.

Current Catalog Year

2024-2025

Degree

Certificate

Major / Total Credits

18 / 18

Locations

Online

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Program Requirements

Program Requirements

Major Common Core

FCS 100 Personal & Family Living 3 credits

This course emphasizes cognitive, emotional, and social development within our diverse society. Multi-generational local and national-level underrepresented/diverse family forms and practices are highlighted, relating to inter/intrapersonal communication, conflict resolution, mate selection, marriage/family dynamics, sexual development, family strengths, stress and crisis, parenting, decision-making, parent-child relationships, and the balancing act of family and work. As an introductory level course, no prerequisite knowledge is required.

Prerequisites: none

Goal Areas: GE-05

Diverse Cultures: Purple

FCS 301 Lifespan Development 3 credits

Study of the family from a historical perspective; in terms of the family system and the broader ecological system; in terms of stresses faced and coping responses. This course will address issues at each of four life stages: infancy and early childhood; the school years; transition from school to adult life; and the adult years.

Prerequisites: none

FCS 303 Working With Families 3 credits

Study of the role of the family in the development of the young child. Provide teachers and care providers with knowledge and understanding of family systems and appropriate interactions with families. Students will participate in a service learning activity.

Prerequisites: none

FCS 400 Culturally Diverse Family Systems 3 credits

An analysis of culturally diverse family systems in America; emphasis on relationships within the family and with the larger community across the family life cycle.

Prerequisites: none

Diverse Cultures: Purple

FCS 401 Family Life Development 3 credits

The course is a study of development through the family life cycle. Emphasis on developmental interaction and systems theory.

Prerequisites: none

FCS 414W Family Policy and Ethics 3 credits

Students are provided information of past and present policies that impact underserved families nationally and internationally. Students will identify, review, and discuss family policy using relevant and applicable theory. This course will advance student knowledge for careers in family policy as well as becoming an ethically-minded advocate and/or professional. Students will be provided a variety of opportunities to develop their knowledge and professional writing skills in the subject matter.

Prerequisites: none

Diverse Cultures: Purple