Candidates with certificates in biology, chemistry, health, psychology, sociology, economics or social sciences are eligible for a free Maryland state-approved in-service credit program of five courses (listed below), or for reduced-cost graduate credit from Loyola College of Maryland in Baltimore.

    The Emergency Certification program results in Maryland Certification in Family and Consumer Sciences. Courses are taught at regional locations throughout the state. You may contact us for more information on these locations, or call the Maryland Center for Career and Technology Education Studies at 410-685-1648.

    The five performance-based courses are taught by master teachers using best practices and authentic assessments. Upon completion of the program, the participant's name will be submitted by the local school systems to the Maryland State Department of Education with a recommendation for certification.

Family and Consumer Sciences:
Orientation to the Field/Curricular Framework

    The philosophy, mission, vision and goals of the profession, and the connections among the content areas within the field are analyzed in this course. The context of the family serves as the focus for exploring these content areas and the related disciplines. (It is recommended that this orientation course be taken first, with the remaining four courses taken in any order.)

Applied Nutrition and Food Science

    In this performance-based course, participants develop the knowledge and skill needed to select, store, prepare and serve food that is nutritious, safe and reflective of contemporary lifestyles. participants examine food consumption from personal, social, scientific, economic, and environmental perspectives. Participants develop nutrition and food laboratory management skills.

Infant and Child Development

    Participants are involved in an intensive study of the physical, emotional, intellectual, social and moral development of children from birth to middle childhood. They will use major theories of growth and development to constructively resolve practical parenting situations. They learn strategies for establishing, managing and supervising an on-site lab school for preschool children.

Family development and Dynamics

    Participants must demonstrate an understanding of the reciprocal relationships among individuals, family and society. They will investigate evolving family structures and how the family serves as the basic unit of society. Participants evaluate issues related to individuals and families, including crises affecting the family and balancing multiple roles. Strategies for resolving family issues and accessing support services will be investigated.

The Art and Science of Textiles

    Participants will study fibers and fabrics. They will recognize, use and care for textiles and clothing from personal, economic, scientific, social and environmental perspectives. Basic construction techniques will be demonstrated and practiced. Strategies for establishing, maintaining, and evaluating clothing and textile laboratories will be investigated.