There are many benefits to third-party, industry-recognized certifications. High school programs that lead to recognized credentials can help students find employment and/or give them the option of going on for a higher degree. Students benefit from learning transferable career skills and employers benefit from a more highly skilled employee pool with certifiable skills.
The American Association of Family and Consumer Sciences (AAFCS) offers a portfolio of standards-based assessments and industry-recognized certifications that are designed to help satisfy assessment and accountability requirements as well as ensure quality control in employment settings. Known as the Pre-Professional Assessment and Certification (Pre-PAC) program, students can receive credentials in a number of different areas including:
◾Broad Field Family and Consumer Sciences
◾Culinary Arts
◾Early Childhood Education
◾Education Fundamentals
◾Family and Community Services
◾Fashion, Textiles, and Apparel
◾Food Science Fundamentals
◾Housing and Furnishings
◾Interior Design Fundamentals
◾Nutrition, Food, and Wellness
◾Personal and Family Finance
To learn more about these available certifications, go to: https://www.aafcs.org/home
The RealCare product line and accompanying curricula can help students prepare for several of the Pre-PAC certifications. Alignments to the Broad Field Family and Consumer Science and Family and Community Services Standards can be found at: https://www.realityworks.com/alignments-crosswalk-docs
Another national certification in child development is the Child Development Associate (CDA) credential. There are four different ways you may work towards obtaining a CDA credential, depending on the setting and how you work with young children. These are:
- Center-based preschool
- Center-based infant-toddler
- Home-based family child care
- Home visitor
To learn more information on how to earn a CDA credential, visit:
http://www.cdacouncil.org/credentials/apply-for-cda
In addition to national certification in related FACS areas, there are many state-level certifications that may be earned. For example, in Illinois it is the Early Childhood Education (ECE) Level 1 certification that many schools offer in high school. In the State of Florida, upon completing the requirements, students may earn an Early Childhood Professional Certificate. To find a state-specific certification, contact your state education department or childcare organizations.
Certifications and credentialing programs can be found at many levels, high school and post-secondary. To learn more about the AAFCS Pre-PAC assessment and certification programs available, a FREE webinar will be held on September 15th from 3:30 – 4:00 pm. Central Time.
To register click on this link:
https://www.realityworks.com/realcare-tpe-webinars
