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, personal effectiveness skills, attitudes and behaviors needed to succeed in work and family life across the life span, including:

• Strengthening the well-being of individuals and families.
• Linking people and environments to strengthen individuals, families, and communities.
• Becoming responsible citizens and leaders in family, community, and work settings.
• Empowering people and systems to grow, collaborate, and achieve lasting impact.
• Promoting optimal nutrition and wellness.
• Functioning effectively as providers and consumers of goods and services.
• Managing resources to meet the material needs of individuals, families, and communities.
• Balancing personal, family, home, and work responsibilities.
• Using critical and creative thinking skills and transformative technology to address problems in diverse families, communities, and work environments.
• Exemplifying successful life management, employment, and career development.

Course Revisions

The following courses were revised for implementation during the 2025-2026 school year.  All curriculum frameworks are available from Virginia's CTE Resource Center website.

• Family and Consumer Sciences Exploratory I (19903-6/8204)
• Family and Consumer Sciences Exploratory I (19903-9/8206)
• Family and Consumer Sciences Exploratory I (19903-12/8207)
• Family and Consumer Sciences Exploratory I (19903-18/8208)
• Family and Consumer Sciences Exploratory II (19904-6/8260)
• Family and Consumer Sciences Exploratory II (19904-9/8261)
• Family and Consumer Sciences Exploratory II (19904-12/8262)
• Family and Consumer Sciences Exploratory II (19904-18/8263)
• Family and Consumer Sciences Exploratory III (19251-6/8241)
• Family and Consumer Sciences Exploratory III (19251-9/8242)
• Family and Consumer Sciences Exploratory III (19251-12/8243)
• Family and Consumer Sciences Exploratory III (19251-18/8244)
• Family and Consumer Sciences Exploratory III (19251-36/8245)
• Family Relations (19259-18/8223)
• Family Relations (19259-36/8225)
• Fashion Careers I (19201-I/8280)
• Fashion Careers II (19201-II/8281)
• Introduction to Fashion Careers (19201-18/8247)
• Introduction to Fashion Careers (19201-36/8248)

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)
• Equipment Lists
• 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 the Education of Young Children (VAAEYC)
• 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.