Students pursuing undergraduate degrees in Child Development and can become Certified Family Life Educators (CFLE), but many are not aware that the program is approved by the National Council on Family Relations as meeting the criteria for the CFLE credential.
The National Council on Family Relations recognizes regionally-accredited schools offering undergraduate and graduate degree programs with course work that includes content covering the 10 content areas of Family Life Education. Being an approved program means that students can apply for provisional certification without having to take the CFLE exam.
Students in the Child Development major receive training and coursework that focuses on the skills and knowledge families need for healthy functioning, such as:
- Strong communication skills,
- Knowledge of typical human development,
- Good decision-making skills,
- Positive self-esteem, and
- Healthy interpersonal relationships.
“CFD graduates have been trained to teach and foster this knowledge and these skills to enhance the lives of individuals and families,” said Dr. Karen Myers-Bowman, chair and faculty in the College of Education’s Department of Child and Family Development. “Family Life Educators are qualified to work in a wide variety of settings and with a myriad of populations.”
Certified Family Life Educators work in health care settings, provide workshops and classes in hospitals, and lead community education efforts. They are employed in faith communities, junior and senior high schools, colleges and universities, as well as in social service agencies, corporate settings, government agencies, corrections, retirement communities and the military.
For more information about Family Life Education and the Certified Family Life Education designation, visit www.ncfr.org.